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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Recent Examples of mop-up
Rioux played sparingly in two years with the Gators, redshirting as a true freshman during the team’s national championship season and then getting on the court in mop-up duty this past season.
—
ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
Vitello said that Tidwell, who threw 47 pitches in mop-up duty Tuesday, would be stretched out in a starting role at Sacramento.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2026
On the western side, firefighters continued mop-up operations near structures and held fire lines established during earlier burnout efforts.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Kyle Hurt and Jake Eder pitched in mop-up duty in the latter innings and each threw a scoreless inning.
—Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 26 Apr. 2026
Two days later, Jacob was called into a 6-2 game in the eighth inning for what was seemingly mop-up duty.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
The five courses are available online for free and are prerequisites to obtaining a Firefighter Type II certificate, which is given to entry-level wildland firefighters who are responsible for fire suppression, fuels management and mop-up operations.
—Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2026
Lovelady made six appearances for the Mets this season in mop-up roles.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026
Veteran big man Charles Bassey, who is nearing the end of his second 10-day contract with the Celtics, went 3-for-3 in mop-up duty.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
Vitello said that Tidwell, who threw 47 pitches in mop-up duty Tuesday, would be stretched out in a starting role at Sacramento.
—Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2026
On the western side, firefighters continued mop-up operations near structures and held fire lines established during earlier burnout efforts.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026
Kyle Hurt and Jake Eder pitched in mop-up duty in the latter innings and each threw a scoreless inning.
—Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 26 Apr. 2026
Two days later, Jacob was called into a 6-2 game in the eighth inning for what was seemingly mop-up duty.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
The five courses are available online for free and are prerequisites to obtaining a Firefighter Type II certificate, which is given to entry-level wildland firefighters who are responsible for fire suppression, fuels management and mop-up operations.
—Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2026
Lovelady made six appearances for the Mets this season in mop-up roles.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026
Veteran big man Charles Bassey, who is nearing the end of his second 10-day contract with the Celtics, went 3-for-3 in mop-up duty.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mop-up
Noun
-
There was a sense of endings at St James’ Park; not definitive, not complete, but persuasive, a final home game for Kieran Trippier as a Newcastle player, and a feeble waft of farewell in the colour of claret.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
-
The only false step in the sketch is the ending, which goes out on a cheap joke.—
Omar L. Gallaga,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
The conclusion of this step allowed engineers to assess that the reactor unit is ready to be shipped off and installed in the vessel.—
Abhishek Bhardwaj,
Interesting Engineering,
15 May 2026
-
Griffin comes to the conclusion that Tynan must have helped his dad cover up a murder and plans on confronting her.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
The loss marked an early end for the Frost, which had previously gone a perfect 6-0 when facing elimination in the PWHL playoffs, and halted the team’s quest for a rare threepeat.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
-
The goal is to have everything moved by the end of July.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Weaver and Devin Williams — the other former Yankees closer in the Mets’ bullpen — recorded the final nine outs in Saturday’s victory, which evened the Subway Series at one win apiece going into Sunday afternoon’s finale.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
17 May 2026
-
Still, his touchdown with a minute remaining in the regular-season finale against Baltimore helped Pittsburgh win its first division title since 2020, and Rodgers to secure his first postseason appearance since 2021.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Blending authentic heritage with a futuristic vision, the concept collection features the full spectrum of denim, from raw indigo to coated and overdyed finishes.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
12 May 2026
-
Heat and moisture from a steam mop can loosen adhesives or damage laminate and hardwood finishes, even though the surface may look clean afterward.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
In some cases, that may involve flexibility around closing timelines, occupancy dates, or smaller logistical considerations that can influence how an offer is perceived in a competitive environment.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
-
Borrowers will often be able to float it down before closing and, in the interim, won't need to worry about any other incremental increases.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
The scene was the culmination of months of competition across Montage’s 15 properties.—
Kristin Stoller,
Fortune,
11 May 2026
-
The performance was the culmination of discussions that firmed up in September 2025, when the band agreed to a residency and set off on a sprint to assemble a four-act spectacle that captured the grit and grind of the group’s ascent.—
Steven J. Horowitz,
Variety,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mop-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mop-up. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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