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
McKee, 25, has taken limited snaps in mop-up duty in three blowout victories this season.
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Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
Throughout the season during mop-up work and in practice situations, Milton has felt confident in his abilities.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Dec. 2025
Kuminga was the only active Warriors player not to see any action, even in mop-up duty, when Buddy Hield entered for his first playing time since Thursday in Phoenix.
—Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
Ewers, who played in one game this season, completing 5 of 8 passes for 53 yards in mop-up duty of a 31-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns, has a moxie to him that hints there might be something worthy of an investment in there.
—Miami Herald, 17 Dec. 2025
Emanuel appeared in 10 of 11 games this season, either because of injury to the starter or in a mop-up role late in victories.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Nov. 2025
While both of them were mop-up appearances to save the bullpen, the team saw some things to be excited about.
—Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Fire crews were also actively engaged in mop-up efforts, searching for any remaining hotspots or burning materials along the perimeter of the fire.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mop-up
Noun
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Did the 'Christy' ending happen in real life?—
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The ending of the film certainly leaves it open to the possibility.—
Noun
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With Donna’s Banishment seeming almost a forgone conclusion, Cumming summoned the players back to a special morning edition of the Roundtable to just get the inevitable out of the way.—
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Ball certainly didn’t have any issue getting into the action, posting a team-best 11 first-quarter points on the strength of making his first three attempts and banking in a running 3-pointer off the glass at the buzzer, signaling the conclusion of the game’s initial 12 minutes.—
Noun
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On Wednesday, Jerry, coach Brian Schottenheimer and team vice president Stephen Jones addressed the media in their end-of-the-season press conference where the Good, Bad, the Ugly covered every topic save for the moon landing.—
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LeBron James didn't play due to arthritis and sciatica as Los Angeles' three-game winning streak came to an end.—
Noun
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McLendon has spent the last two seasons on the practice squad prior to making his Dolphins debut during the season finale against the New England Patriots.—
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Stranger Things fans have been sharing a theory called Conformity Gate that posits the events of the finale actually didn't happen.—
Noun
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Canada Goose Lawrence Puffer Jacket Designed with a water-repellent finish, the Lawrence Puffer Jacket can easily handle all kinds of weather.—
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Believe it or not, colors, finishes, materials, and styling all play a part in how warm and welcoming your home feels.—
Noun
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Set to host the Olympic and Paralympic athletics, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies, the stadium is due to be built in the 158-acre Victoria Park, just north of central Brisbane.—
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His 2024 tape showed elite ball skills with fluid athleticism and explosive closing speed.—
Noun
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For homeowners, the couple's guilty pleas marked the culmination of years of financial strain and emotional turmoil.—
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In the recordings, Neves Valente described the attack as the culmination of long planning.—
Cite this Entry
“Mop-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mop-up. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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