Definitions

catch up

[kach-uhp] / ˈkætʃˌʌp /

VERB

approach

Synonyms

STRONGEST

come contact match meet near reach surround threaten

STRONG

advance approximate bear border buzz converge equal impend progress resemble

WEAK

be comparable to be like belly up to close in come at come close compare with correspond to creep up draw near gain on go toward loom up move in on move toward take after verge upon

Antonyms

STRONGEST

avoid depart go leave miss

STRONG

decrease retreat retrogress stop

WEAK

distance go away

VERB

embrangle

Synonyms

STRONG

ensnare entangle implicate involve mire snarl trouble

WEAK

bog down

Antonyms

STRONG

exclude free

VERB

grip

Synonyms

STRONGEST

fascinate mesmerize rivet

STRONG

compel engross enthrall hold hypnotize involve spellbind

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disenchant

STRONG

turn off

WEAK

disgust repel

VERB

mesmerize

Synonyms

STRONGEST

enthrall fascinate hypnotize stupefy

STRONG

control deaden drug entrance grip magnetize numb spellbind

WEAK

ensorcell hold spellbound render unconscious

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bore tire

STRONG

disgust enliven repel

WEAK

disenchant turn off

VERB

recover

Synonyms

STRONGEST

get back reclaim recoup regain repair rescue restore resume retrieve salvage

STRONG

balance compensate offset recapture recruit redeem rediscover repossess retake

WEAK

bring back make good obtain again reacquire reoccupy replevin replevy take back win back

Antonyms

STRONGEST

break damage destroy forfeit harm hurt injure lose

WEAK

decline deteriorate mislay miss wane

VERB

spellbind

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bewitch ensorcell mesmerize

STRONG

arrest bind compel engross enthrall fascinate grip hold hypnotize involve rivet transfix

WEAK

put under a spell subject to suggestion

Antonyms

STRONG

let go release turn off

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When students don’t have the basic skills, they are sent to the nearby community college, often over the summer, to catch up.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2026

The almost parabolic moves in parts of EM equities have been driven by earnings, as strong demand has collided with shortages and supply has struggled to catch up, he said in an interview.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 7, 2026

So watching the rest of the world finally catch up feels a little vindicating.

From Salon • Jul. 7, 2026

U.S. stocks look set to catch up on gains missed Friday as investors return following the Independence Day holiday, though artificial intelligence hardware stocks weakened in Asia and Europe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 6, 2026

I race to catch up with him and we fall into a jog together.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

catch up

Example Sentences

Related Words