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

Spanish police have recovered three religious artworks stolen from churches in Valladolid over the summer, bringing the case one step closer to a miraculously happy ending.

— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Lil’ Randy shouts repeatedly as he is hauled off, a great ending to a pretty great episode.

— Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of ending

Noun

The final scene was shot on Marina Beach at the end of a rough day, in a window of just a few hours.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
The vestiges of his fading memory flash by with a haunting plainness, the melancholy of all this Americana and the sadness of a mind ravaged by time strike the viewer plainly at the end of this maximalist piece of life-writing.

— Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of end

Noun

Thompson went scoreless in Friday’s preseason finale, shooting 0 of 7 from the field and 0 of 6 on threes in 15 minutes.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who has about $25 million left on his contract over the next two seasons, did not suit up for Friday’s preseason finale.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of finale

Noun

The tiny corner kitchen has been updated with white cabinetry and a tiled backsplash, while there’s more new white finishes in the bathroom.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 12 Oct. 2026
In fact, on red carpets around the globe, A-listers kept up the momentum all week long, choosing architectural designs with textural, high-impact finishes.

— Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of finish

Noun

Carney’s closing appeal came after two days of campaigning against separation in the province.

— Rob Gillies, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
For all its relative quiet, the week’s closing impression was that there was plenty for those intent on listening to Shanghai’s voices.

— Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of closing

Noun

The Swiss watchmaker and the Met marked the culmination of their inaugural artisan residency on Friday, unveiling three works that extend traditional craft into new forms of expression.

— Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Earlier, Sefcovic had said the talks this week were the culmination of three months of intensive work.

— Sam McNeil, Fortune, 10 Oct. 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 18 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of mop-up

noun

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