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
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.
Recent Examples of buildup
Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 24 June 2025
Inflation, rising construction costs and work to remove the buildup of water in basements, tunnels and land throughout the site also drove up the overall cost, the district said.
—Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Recent Results and Performances The Netherlands were looking in decent nick in the build up to the Euros until the very end of the 2024/25 season.
—Neel Shelat, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for buildup
Verb
Experts say this unpleasant feeling can be caused by irritation from synthetic extensions, a dehydrated scalp, and product buildup.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 24 June 2025
Inflation, rising construction costs and work to remove the buildup of water in basements, tunnels and land throughout the site also drove up the overall cost, the district said.
—Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Noun
However, with Sheehan not yet fully built up, the club elected to option him back to triple A and have Wrobleski pitch twice in a six-day span this week, with a five-inning, two-run outing in Colorado on Tuesday preceding Sunday’s gem in Kansas City.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Recent Results and Performances The Netherlands were looking in decent nick in the build up to the Euros until the very end of the 2024/25 season.
—Neel Shelat, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for buildup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buildup
Verb
-
The legislation is the signature priority of President Donald Trump, extending the 2017 tax cuts, adding billions to border security and increasing defense spending.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
1 July 2025
-
Speakers said recent actions by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials had provoked increasing concern over the safety of local residents attending the Club World Cup games this summer at Hard Rock Stadium.—
CD Goette-Luciak,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
But that brief overlap sparked a lifelong friendship, and Gallagher watched from afar over the years as Brewer gained prominence in the San Diego legal community.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 July 2025
-
Cybercriminals often exploit outdated software to gain access.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 July 2025
Verb
-
Since founding his hugely successful e-commerce company Amazon in 1994, Jeff Bezos has accumulated a net worth that warrants his title as the third richest man on the planet.—
Diane J. Cho,
People.com,
28 June 2025
-
Dryer vents tend to gradually accumulate hair, dust, and lint during normal operation.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
The former carpet warehouse was already outfitted with car lifts — that Tires, Etc. location (Mr. Gerben owns several) was going to expand — and Gillis paid out of pocket to build out the rest of the set.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
1 July 2025
-
As part of the package, the Department of Transportation (DOT) will deliver more than $275 million in grant funding to expand parking access for truck drivers nationwide.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
The new report also found that news, promotion, informational and interactive programming writers also saw a nearly 26% decline in work.—
Rosa Escandon,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
These are murky waters, especially when performance, promotion, and compensation are on the line.—
David Ferrucci,
Fortune,
30 June 2025
Verb
-
Foodborne illnesses can spike in the summer months, especially given the higher temperatures and rise in outdoor dining like picnics and cookouts.—
Hannah Yasharoff,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
-
The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 June 2025
Verb
-
Times pop music critic Mikael Wood and staff writer August Brown gathered to discuss the box set and what to make of its bounty.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2025
-
Pam’s family and friends gathered in the courthouse in Broomfield, Colorado, just outside Boulder in April of 2019.—
Laura Trujillo,
USA Today,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
Throughout the 1960s, New York City’s financial sector boomed, yet simultaneously, poverty rates soared, deindustrialization accelerated, and housing costs skyrocketed.—
Daniel Wortel-London,
New York Daily News,
26 June 2025
-
India’s space ambitions have accelerated under Modi, who was elected to a third term last June and has tried to assert India’s place on the global stage.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buildup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buildup. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share