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
The newspaper cited other text messages as saying that firefighters were complaining that commanders failed to make sure the mop-up duty at the site was complete.
—
Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 31 Oct. 2025
While both of them were mop-up appearances to save the bullpen, the team saw some things to be excited about.
—Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Joe Milton went in there, mop-up duty, played well.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2025
Wilson, who has started 33 NFL games and owns a 12-21 record in those starts, played in a mop-up role against the Colts, completing 5-of-8 passes, throwing for 32 yards this season.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2025
In typical fashion, Trump’s team spent the weekend on mop-up, issuing clarifications and corrections.
—Patricia Lopez, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
At the plate, the Tigers have averaged just 2.5 runs a game over their 10-game cratering; in the rotation … well, Chris Paddack has mop-up duty in the bullpen and Charlie Morton is unemployed.
—Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 22 Sep. 2025
Fire crews were also actively engaged in mop-up efforts, searching for any remaining hotspots or burning materials along the perimeter of the fire.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2025
The veteran Brubaker had been working as a long/mop-up man in the Yankees’ bullpen.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2025
Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 31 Oct. 2025
While both of them were mop-up appearances to save the bullpen, the team saw some things to be excited about.
—Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Joe Milton went in there, mop-up duty, played well.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2025
Wilson, who has started 33 NFL games and owns a 12-21 record in those starts, played in a mop-up role against the Colts, completing 5-of-8 passes, throwing for 32 yards this season.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2025
In typical fashion, Trump’s team spent the weekend on mop-up, issuing clarifications and corrections.
—Patricia Lopez, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
At the plate, the Tigers have averaged just 2.5 runs a game over their 10-game cratering; in the rotation … well, Chris Paddack has mop-up duty in the bullpen and Charlie Morton is unemployed.
—Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 22 Sep. 2025
Fire crews were also actively engaged in mop-up efforts, searching for any remaining hotspots or burning materials along the perimeter of the fire.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2025
The veteran Brubaker had been working as a long/mop-up man in the Yankees’ bullpen.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mop-up
Noun
-
Did the 'Christy' ending happen in real life?—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The ending of the film certainly leaves it open to the possibility.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
As the train hurtles toward its final destination, mother and daughter must confront both their past and the paranormal – before the journey reaches a deadly conclusion.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The tariffs case in most respects appears to be an instance in which the conservative Justices would favor limiting executive power, but the idea that foreign affairs and emergencies are different may muddy that conclusion.—
Jeannie Suk Gersen,
New Yorker,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
On Wednesday, Jerry, coach Brian Schottenheimer and team vice president Stephen Jones addressed the media in their end-of-the-season press conference where the Good, Bad, the Ugly covered every topic save for the moon landing.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Jan. 2026
-
LeBron James didn't play due to arthritis and sciatica as Los Angeles' three-game winning streak came to an end.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
McLendon has spent the last two seasons on the practice squad prior to making his Dolphins debut during the season finale against the New England Patriots.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Stranger Things fans have been sharing a theory called Conformity Gate that posits the events of the finale actually didn't happen.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Canada Goose Lawrence Puffer Jacket Designed with a water-repellent finish, the Lawrence Puffer Jacket can easily handle all kinds of weather.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Believe it or not, colors, finishes, materials, and styling all play a part in how warm and welcoming your home feels.—
Ashlyn Needham,
The Spruce,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Set to host the Olympic and Paralympic athletics, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies, the stadium is due to be built in the 158-acre Victoria Park, just north of central Brisbane.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
7 Jan. 2026
-
His 2024 tape showed elite ball skills with fluid athleticism and explosive closing speed.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For homeowners, the couple's guilty pleas marked the culmination of years of financial strain and emotional turmoil.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
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In the recordings, Neves Valente described the attack as the culmination of long planning.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mop-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mop-up. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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