as in finishing
to add to or continue (something) with something similar
She followed up her first book with a sequel.
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Recent Examples of following up
Webb, San Francisco’s Opening Day starter for a fifth straight year, shoved for Team USA during the World Baseball Classic, following up his four innings of one-run ball against Team Brazil with 4 2/3 shutout innings against Team Canada in the quarterfinals.
—
Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026
Owner’s past Whatever the reason for not following up on the tip, the failure to travel to Esparto to inspect Devastating Pyrotechnics operations allowed an extensive black market operation to continue without scrutiny.
—Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026
No arrest was made after following up on a lead, however, spokesperson Angelica Carrillo said, according to the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
With the world’s only quadruple axel, the 21-year-old Malinin is the overwhelming favorite to win the United States’ second consecutive men’s singles gold medal, following up on Nathan Chen, who won in 2022 but decided not to participate in this year’s Games.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Fears has had a breakout season in his third year at Michigan State, following up a bounce-back season.
—Larry Lage, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
The 6-foot-6 Gonzalez checked in for Garza and provided a spark, following up a Pritchard three with a tip-in that made it 112-108.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
However, authorities are following up on leads to make contact.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
The main focus of the episode, of course, is following up on the Ken Tucker lead from Steven Droyco.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026
Owner’s past Whatever the reason for not following up on the tip, the failure to travel to Esparto to inspect Devastating Pyrotechnics operations allowed an extensive black market operation to continue without scrutiny.
—Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026
No arrest was made after following up on a lead, however, spokesperson Angelica Carrillo said, according to the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
With the world’s only quadruple axel, the 21-year-old Malinin is the overwhelming favorite to win the United States’ second consecutive men’s singles gold medal, following up on Nathan Chen, who won in 2022 but decided not to participate in this year’s Games.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Fears has had a breakout season in his third year at Michigan State, following up a bounce-back season.
—Larry Lage, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
The 6-foot-6 Gonzalez checked in for Garza and provided a spark, following up a Pritchard three with a tip-in that made it 112-108.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
However, authorities are following up on leads to make contact.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
The main focus of the episode, of course, is following up on the Ken Tucker lead from Steven Droyco.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for following up
Verb
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Herro was the only Heat player who hit the 20-point mark on Tuesday, finishing the loss with 20 points on 5-of-11 shooting from the field, 1-of-2 shooting on threes and 9-of-9 shooting from the foul line, eight rebounds and five assists.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
18 Mar. 2026
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Center fielder Caden Sorrell hit two home runs in the game, finishing 2-for-4 with four RBIs.—
Tony Catalina,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Japanese government is roughly two years away from completing its own network of satellites to track moving objects.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Mar. 2026
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By September last year, the project advanced further as the ship’s three towering masts were installed, marking a critical step toward completing the vessel’s distinctive sail system.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In practice, that means the Commission is wary of big mergers, unless they are paired with social taxes — protecting jobs, expanding network coverage in poorer areas and ensuring the Black majority benefits.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
20 Mar. 2026
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OpenAI has spent the last few years expanding its tools into standalone products.—
James Peckham,
PC Magazine,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Analysts have observed that Moscow has been building up reserves and its operations are expected to gain tempo as the spring warmth dries the terrain.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Mar. 2026
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That desire has been building up within Lebanon among very different population groups, including the other political parties.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Scammers start out by buying shares of a cheap stock but then convince others to buy big, pumping up the stock's value so the scammers can then sell their shares for huge profits.—
Tim McNicholas,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
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War has always been a time for propaganda, of demonizing the enemy and pumping up your side.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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One tiny root invades and expands over time, enlarging holes and allowing more roots to grow inside.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
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The agency – while still enlarging its footprint across the country – may adopt more targeted, less public tactics going forward, according to reporting by CNN’s Priscilla Alvarez.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Following up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/following%20up. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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