The phrase "catching up to" suggests competition and progress. To communicate the same idea, other phrases can be used such as "nearing," "approaching," "gaining ground," "closing in on," or "coming up to speed with." These synonyms convey the same message of getting closer to a goal, catching up with competitors or peers, or reaching a particular level or benchmark. Moreover, synonyms such as "matching up with," "reaching the level of," or "keeping pace with" suggest a more collaborative or supportive approach to achieving shared goals and objectives. In essence, there are various ways to communicate the idea of catching up, each with their unique nuances and connotations.