MOP-UP Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

mop-up

noun

ˈmäp-ˌəp

Definition of mop-up

as in ending

the last part of a process or action the general announced that the remaining fighting would be only a mop-up to a war that was all but over

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of mop-up Firefighters knocked down several new blazes Friday, and officials warned crews not to grow complacent during mop-up. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026 Crews remained on the scene for several more hours to complete mop-up, authorities said. — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 20 July 2026 Crews remained at the scene Friday night searching for hot spots and completing mop-up operations. — Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026 Fire crews were ordered to roll up their hoses, despite complaints that a more thorough mop-up was needed. — Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mop-up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mop-up

Noun

The happy ending is that the protagonist is free of the ghost.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026
The team had to figure out a new finale that would stay true to the story and give Seymour and Audrey a happy ending.

— Andrew Buss, Vanity Fair, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of ending

Noun

The nation's clocks went back an hour Sunday as daylight saving time came to an end.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
His decision to pick Vance opened up a special election in Ohio that will by the end of this week cost the GOP hundreds of millions of dollars and potentially a Senate seat.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of end

Noun

Kipruto won the men’s race in the event’s closest-ever finish while wearing the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2.

— Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 1 Nov. 2026
Mercedes’ sponsorship revenue gains were offset by lower payouts from the team’s fourth-place finish in the 2024 constructor standings.

— Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of finish

Noun

Israeli troops took positions throughout the city and sealed it off from the rest of the territory for a second day, closing gates and checkpoints to Palestinian drivers.

— Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Vogelsong-Parvin, in her closing argument, contended that Nakira did not act like a grieving parent.

— Anja Aronowsky Cronberg, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of closing

Noun

In Wisconsin, Crowley, a moderate Democrat, defeated Republican challenger Tom Tiffany in the culmination of a governor's race that played out in one of the country's most purple states.

— News Editor, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Spencer characterized the Stevens-Rogers appearance as the culmination of an increasingly personal dispute rather than a substantive disagreement over policy.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of culmination

Browse Nearby Words

mops

mop-up

mop-ups

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“Mop-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mop-up. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of mop-up

noun

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