Phrase guide

follow up

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To take further actions remaining after an event; to continue, revisit, or persist; especially, to maintain communication or verify.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive, transitive

Examples

  • Send a letter, then follow up promptly with a telephone call.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

increase the effectiveness or success of by further action

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The doctor followed up the surgery with radiation

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: enhance

3

verb

Meaning 3

pursue to a conclusion or bring to a successful issue

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • Did he go through with the treatment?
  • He implemented a new economic plan
  • She followed up his recommendations with a written proposal

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: follow through, follow out, carry out, implement, put through, go through

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: complete, finish

Narrower terms: adhere

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

17 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 跟進 /跟进 (gēnjìn) — take further actions after an event
  • Czech: pokračovat — take further actions after an event
  • Czech: navázat — take further actions after an event
  • Czech: udržet v pozornosti — take further actions after an event
  • Czech: udržet komunikaci — take further actions after an event
  • Finnish: seurata — take further actions after an event
  • Finnish: jatkaa — take further actions after an event
  • Finnish: pitää yhteyttä — take further actions after an event
  • Finnish: toistaa — take further actions after an event
  • Indonesian: menindaklanjuti — take further actions after an event
  • Spanish: dar seguimiento — take further actions after an event
  • Spanish: dar un seguimiento — take further actions after an event
  • Spanish: proseguir — take further actions after an event
  • Spanish: hacer un seguimiento — take further actions after an event
  • Spanish: hacer seguimiento — take further actions after an event
  • Spanish: enviar un seguimiento — take further actions after an event
  • Spanish: enviar seguimiento — take further actions after an event