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

Synonyms of follow-through

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Verb

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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
Crucially, events must build follow-through, requiring attendees to create tangible outputs like plans or prototypes, ensuring lasting change. — Nir Bashan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Before the meeting ends, be equally clear about next steps, ownership, and follow-through. — Alison Wood Brooks, Harvard Business Review, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
The agencies that earn nurse loyalty tend to be the ones that follow through on the small promises consistently. — Salma Ouardi, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Trump threatened 10% extra tariffs on Canada after the ad but never followed through. — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 19 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for follow-through

See All Rhymes for follow-through

Browse Nearby Words

follow the pack
follow-through
follow through
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Follow-through.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/follow-through. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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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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