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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.

The Zepbound-Wegovy race made Lilly keenly aware of having to play catch-up.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

“When macro traders went looking for laggards with catch-up potential, cotton was near the top of the list.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

“We had to play catch-up a lot ever since then,” Cortez said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

High earners should also note that catch-up contributions must be Roth starting in 2026.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

Koffi didn’t have several masters, or a decade of time to play catch-up, so she was getting the expedited experience.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray