follow-through

1 of 2

noun

fol·​low-through ˈfä-lō-ˌthrü How to pronounce follow-through (audio)
ˌfä-lō-ˈthrü,
-lə-
1
: the part of the stroke following the striking of a ball
2
: the act or an instance of following through

follow through

2 of 2

verb

followed through; following through; follows through

intransitive verb

1
: to continue a stroke or motion to the end of its arc
2
: to press on in an activity or process especially to a conclusion

Examples of follow-through in a Sentence

Verb you said you would put all of the files in order, but you didn't follow through with it
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
But its success will depend entirely on follow-through — and worryingly, on the moods and machinations of the two men who lead these countries. Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 13 May 2025 The latest hope for follow-through—not just pardoning the rioters, but arresting those who had put them away—had been pinned on Martin, with all of D.C. under his jurisdiction. Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 11 May 2025
Verb
Luckily, American companies continue to follow through on their promises to deliver U.S. LNG quickly, affordably, and reliably. David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 Another factor behind lower oil prices: Trump has not followed through on former President Joe Biden’s final-hours move on January 10 to target Russia’s energy sector with harsh sanctions. Matt Egan, CNN Money, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for follow-through

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of follow-through was in 1891

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Follow-through.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/follow-through. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

follow through

verb
1
: to complete a stroke or swing
2
: to continue in an activity or process especially to a conclusion
follow through with a study
follow-through
ˈfäl-ō-ˌthrü
ˌfäl-ō-ˈthrü
-ə-
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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