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
Providing context encourages follow-through and reinforces your role as someone who considers the bigger picture. ForbesWomen: Get the ForbesWomen newsletter, and supercharge your mission with success stories, tips and more. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 The problem with these surveys is that they are often delayed, generic, and lack follow-through. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
The commissioner hoped an additional person would help scale up testing programs at the schools to help reach the most vulnerable students, those whose families might not be able to follow through on the school district’s recommendation to see a pediatrician for testing. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025 In anticipation of Trump’s potential to follow through with the new tariffs, here are the top questions to know about Liberation Day. Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 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 7 Apr. 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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