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
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Recent Examples of mop-up
Coyote Fire mostly contained in El Dorado County East of Sacramento, the Coyote Fire was 90% contained Thursday morning after burning 624 acres as mop-up work and hot spot checks continue inside the fire perimeter, Cal Fire’s Amador-El Dorado uni said.
—
Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Wilson never saw action as starter Bo Nix played every meaningful snap and backup Jarrett Stidham handled the limited mop-up duty.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
The veteran Brubaker had been working as a long/mop-up man in the Yankees’ bullpen.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2025
Rioux enters his redshirt freshman season with the Gators pushing to even get on the court during mop-up time when games are decided.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2025
Crews continue to strengthen mop-up efforts around structures and reinforce perimeter control lines to ensure the fire remains within its current footprint.
—Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
Containment is along the south edge of the fire, and fire crews are using hand tools and heavy equipment to work the northwest, west and southwest areas of the fire, while mop-up work continues on other areas of the western section.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 18 July 2025
Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Wilson never saw action as starter Bo Nix played every meaningful snap and backup Jarrett Stidham handled the limited mop-up duty.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
The veteran Brubaker had been working as a long/mop-up man in the Yankees’ bullpen.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2025
Rioux enters his redshirt freshman season with the Gators pushing to even get on the court during mop-up time when games are decided.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2025
Crews continue to strengthen mop-up efforts around structures and reinforce perimeter control lines to ensure the fire remains within its current footprint.
—Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
Containment is along the south edge of the fire, and fire crews are using hand tools and heavy equipment to work the northwest, west and southwest areas of the fire, while mop-up work continues on other areas of the western section.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 18 July 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mop-up
Noun
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The moment carried extra weight because this wasn’t just a season ending.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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But this time, quarterback Conner Harrell took command, helping coach Tim Albin earn his first win as the 49ers’ head coach, rewriting an ending that felt all too familiar for 15,681 Charlotte fans in attendance.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The show's return comes after fans were demanding new episodes following the conclusion of Season 1.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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The press, however—fearing backlash to its positive depiction of interracial romance—rewrote the conclusion without Grey’s knowledge or consent, killing off Nophaie and the offending prospect of miscegenation.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Most recently, last year in Bangladesh, students mobilized to call for the end of a controversial quota system for government jobs.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
10 Sep. 2025
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To this end, the Kansas City Election Board has mostly relied on existing relationships with schools, churches and libraries.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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His hypnotic dance with a marching band in the finale cemented Milchick as both comic relief and a sinister presence — a balance that earned Tillman his first Emmy nomination and win.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
15 Sep. 2025
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If South Park Season 27, Episode 5 remains political — specifically anti-Trump — the series needs to consider taking a page from Prime Video’s playbook before airing of The Boys’ Season 4 finale in July of 2024.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The three new watch models boast upgraded health features, fast charging, longer battery lives and a variety of finishes, styles and price points.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
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Some showerhead finishes can soak in vinegar overnight, but finishes like chrome, gold, brass, or nickel is recommended to only soak for 30 minutes to an hour to preserve the finish.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Successful as a top set-up reliever for Clase the past two seasons, Smith has struggled mightily in his closing opportunities.—
Bernie Pleskoff,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Three of every 10 Chicago schools sit at least half-empty, and closing or merging them remains a political third rail.—
Mila Koumpilova,
ProPublica,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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For Ethiopia the unveiling of the 74-billion cubic meter dam, which has been 14 years in the making and cost $5 billion, was the culmination of a dream and proved the East African nation the winner in a bitter diplomatic battle over its construction.—
Kate Bartlett,
NPR,
9 Sep. 2025
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Both her book and her broader platform reflect the culmination of years spent recognizing women’s struggles, listening deeply to their stories, and guiding them toward empowerment and transformation.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mop-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mop-up. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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