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
Joe Reid, Vulture, 7 May 2026
Ajmera has built up a massive campaign war chest with more than $180,000 on hand at the end of 2025, more than any other council member.
—Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026
Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 May 2026
Three people have died as a result of the infection, which can cause fluid buildup in the lungs and hemorrhagic fever, among other symptoms.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
As the founder, face, and namesake of the Rob Has a Podcast network, Cesternino has built up a hub for reality-TV alumni and its cast of fans turned podcasters to dish on everything from Survivor and Big Brother to The Traitors and RuPaul’s Drag Race.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 7 May 2026
Ajmera has built up a massive campaign war chest with more than $180,000 on hand at the end of 2025, more than any other council member.
—Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026
Noun
Tight elastic bands, underwires and synthetic fabrics often contribute to friction and heat buildup.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 May 2026
Three people have died as a result of the infection, which can cause fluid buildup in the lungs and hemorrhagic fever, among other symptoms.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
-
But ultimately, Ayton needs to increase his scoring at the rim, Redick said.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
-
His most fulfilling moment was when the fourth calf was born in the wild last year, an indication that the bongos are thriving in their native habitat and that their population will certainly increase.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
One approach gaining support is to slow the displacement of workers with new taxes on AI services and investments.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
-
The labor market gained 38,000 courier and messenger jobs in April, representing roughly a third of all positions added in the month.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
His videos have accumulated three hundred million views.—
Jennifer Wilson,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
GameStop’s press release said its $125-per-share offer amounts to a 46 percent premium over eBay’s closing price on February 4, the day GameStop started accumulating a stake in the company.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
The chain eventually expanded to other nameplates — Banana Republic and Old Navy — and now generates more than $15 billion in sales globally.—
Anne D'Innocenzio,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2026
-
That means expanding the Renter’s Tax Credit, protecting homeowners from rising costs and making sure renters know their rights and can access homelessness prevention services.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Rodríguez quickly climbed the Yankees’ minor league ladder in 2025, starting at High-A, forcing his way to Double-A, and earning a brief promotion to Triple-A for his last starts of the year.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
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In 2016, Albertsons paid $107 million to settle a BOGO promotion case in nearby Oregon, plus another $107 million to settle a 2023 federal court case concerning BOGO promotions in Washington.—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The crackdown—which came amid a shrinking economy, rising costs, tax increases, and Ukrainian drone strikes on the country’s energy sector—led to a rare outburst of public discontent and an equally uncommon acknowledgment of the dissatisfaction from Putin.—
Joshua Yaffa,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
-
Gas prices have surged and inflation is rising.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.—
Mark Cooper,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
Her family’s all nearby, out in the country and away from San Marcos, where Lindsey is surrounded by dark skies, and has space for gardens, fires to gather around and animals to rescue.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
Verb
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The analytics group says that most Middle East cargoes loaded before the war have now been discharged, meaning the inventory drawdown will accelerate and local refining will slow.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
10 May 2026
-
The figure has really accelerated since 2017, though, driven in a large part by cost—to live a better quality of life at a lower cost and to have access to affordable healthcare and housing in later years.—
Alex Ledsom,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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