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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Even people who like the film will leave yowling at the ending.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
But even though that conclusion would be many times less schmaltzy than the actual film’s ending, Ishiguro won’t give it to us.

— Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of ending

Noun

White’s lyrics are bittersweet pinpricks, his keening vocals already in mourning of childhood’s end—of responsibility, of bathing yourself, in so many words, knowledge of death.

— Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
The opening on the opposite side of the dish room is not finished and has metal wall studs and sheet rock ends exposed.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of end

Noun

The most recent Monday finish on the PGA Tour was at the Travelers Championship in June, when Viktor Hovland defeated Scottie Scheffler.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
An electric fireplace and lots of glazing round out the space, and the timber shiplap finish and faux stone fireplace surround are a nice touch, lending it a cabin-like look.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of finish

Noun

Israeli troops took positions throughout the city and sealed it off from the rest of the territory for a second day, closing gates and checkpoints to Palestinian drivers.

— Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Vogelsong-Parvin, in her closing argument, contended that Nakira did not act like a grieving parent.

— Anja Aronowsky Cronberg, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of closing

Noun

Machine Gods is the culmination of years of Casey and Kevin's reporting from the front lines of Silicon Valley.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026
For Radiance founder Francesco Simeoni, the acquisitions are the culmination of years of efforts to secure films largely unavailable in Britain.

— Lise Pedersen, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of culmination

Browse Nearby Words

mops

mop-up

mop-ups

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Mop-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mop-up. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of mop-up

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes