1
as in to increase
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number
static electricity built up on the cat's fur
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to gain
to gradually increase in
the roller coaster built up momentum
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to accumulate
to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass
evidence that the toxic chemical builds up in the bloodstream to unhealthy levels
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to expand
to make greater in size, amount, or number
he patiently built up his coin collection over several decades the young stockbroker worked hard to build up a clientele
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in promotion
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of build up
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
25 June 2026
Lose – to a team that’s going fishing after two disappointing performances – and the bubble of belief that’s built up across the US might burst.
—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
25 June 2026
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Flushable wipes stick to pipes and don’t dissolve like toilet paper, creating buildup and serious blockages.
—
Mallory Carra,
The Spruce,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
Sweep sidewalks regularly to keep dirt and debris from building up and darkening the color.
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Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
25 June 2026
Lose – to a team that’s going fishing after two disappointing performances – and the bubble of belief that’s built up across the US might burst.
—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
25 June 2026
Noun
The Italian star hasn't entered any tour-level events in the buildup to the grass-court Grand Slam, which starts Monday, so his 6-3, 6-3 victory over Cam Norrie in sweltering west London will have to suffice.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Flushable wipes stick to pipes and don’t dissolve like toilet paper, creating buildup and serious blockages.
—
Mallory Carra,
The Spruce,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
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The state also has goals, including some that have been in place since 2012, that set declining limits on smog-causing pollutants and required automakers to sell increasing percentages of electric and hybrid vehicles through 2025.
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The news came a day before Liz reported on Hong Kong’s beleaguered cinema market finally having an upturn, with overall box office revenues increasing by 25% thanks to a strong line-up of local and Hollywood releases.
Verb
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The point Algeria picked up for the draw gave them four for the tournament, one more than Iran gained in their three matches in Group G, and dropped Iran to the ninth spot among the third place teams, one shy of making the round of 32.
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James Stocklas gained some celebrity for his Powerball win, but all of it was positive, and the coverage quickly faded.
Verb
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The military held a similar security strip from 1985 until 2000, before withdrawing after years of steady casualties, a toll that is accumulating once again.
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Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.
Verb
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The council would then examine the details surrounding the change before passing an ordinance expanding those voting rights.
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Since then, the United States has expanded from 13 colonies along the Atlantic coast to 50 states stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and beyond.
Noun
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That’s exactly how Comber — now store director, after a promotion — has used it.
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Amron, Dane, Amanda and Alondra bring deep relationships and a modern understanding of the business, and Chinazam and Kashia have each earned these promotions through hard work and strong instincts.
Verb
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Roki Sasaki’s abysmal appearance faded away in the Dodgers’ 12-7 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday night, but only after the National League West leaders rose from a catatonic first inning.
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The rising death toll comes as criticism of the government’s response continues to intensify.
Verb
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As the finalists from each state move on to the 'Best Pet in Nation' round of the Pet Lovers' Choice Awards, the team at USA TODAY Pets has gathered all the finalists, runner-ups and third place pets from each region.
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Hundreds of people have gathered throughout the week to carry posters, shout slogans, and sing.
Verb
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The government is also working with private developers, banks and the real estate sector to accelerate temporary and permanent housing solutions.
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Years of crippling sanctions have paralysed the economy as accelerating bouts of mass nationwide protests have been put down by security forces with increasing force — culminating in the killing of thousands of demonstrators in January.
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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