Synonyms of build up

build up 1 of 2

verb

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

• increase
• rise
• accelerate
• swell
• expand
• climb
• roll up
• multiply
• wax
• intensify
• accumulate
• spread
• gain
• proliferate
• mount
• escalate
• enlarge
• boom
• appreciate
• jump
• surge
• mushroom
• balloon
• snowball
• heighten
• rocket
• burgeon
• puff (up)
• skyrocket
• blow up
• peak
• bulk
• redouble
• inflate
• distend
• crescendo
• crest

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decrease
• diminish
• contract
• recede
• lessen
• wane
• dwindle

2

as in to gain

to gradually increase in

the roller coaster built up momentum

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gain
• grow (in)
• gather
• pick up
• accumulate
• double (in)
• expand
• accrue
• stimulate
• triple (in)
• enhance
• maximize
• extend
• step up
• enrich
• mount
• excite
• amass
• enlarge
• ramp (up)
• elevate
• boost
• jack (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decrease (in)
• lose
• fall (in)
• decline (in)
• diminish (in)
• lessen
• dip
• abate
• taper off
• taper
• dwindle

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

• accumulate
• gather
• pile (up)
• collect
• concentrate
• stack (up)
• conglomerate
• amass
• mass
• drift
• accrete
• lump
• ridge
• agglutinate
• clump
• bank

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dissipate
• disperse
• scatter

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

• increase
• expand
• accelerate
• boost
• augment
• raise
• add (to)
• multiply
• extend
• pump up
• enhance
• reinforce
• amplify
• swell
• maximize
• compound
• escalate
• intensify
• strengthen
• enlarge
• stoke
• aggrandize
• draw out
• up
• supplement
• blow up
• develop
• jump
• supersize
• bump (up)
• hype
• spike
• flesh (out)
• complement
• lengthen
• stretch
• heighten
• skyrocket
• boom
• inflate
• prolong
• ratchet (up)
• distend
• dilate
• elongate
• beef (up)
• follow up
• accumulate
• rachet (up)
• collect
• protract
• magnify
• amass
• parlay

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reduce
• decrease
• subtract (from)
• diminish
• lower
• lessen
• abate
• downsize
• dwindle
• shorten
• curtail
• abridge
• cut back
• abbreviate
• minify
• contract
• de-escalate
• compress
• condense
• constrict
• retrench

buildup

2 of 2

noun

as in promotion

Related Words

• promotion
• campaign
• publicity
• propaganda
• boost
• release
• announcement
• promo
• ad
• advertisement
• plug
• notification
• posting
• bulletin
• circular
• communiqué
• ballyhoo
• notice
• sign
• brochure
• flyer
• advertising
• fly sheet
• advert
• commercial
• bill
• billing
• billboard
• broadcast
• pitch
• message
• poster
• telecast
• handbill
• gazette
• broadside
• placard
• come-on
• handout
• communication
• show bill
• declaration
• promulgation
• blurb
• playbill
• pronouncement
• newscast
• dispatch
• spot
• proclamation
• report
• word
• cablecast
• plugola
• signification
• edict
• rescript
• annunciation
• pronunciamento

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of build up

Verb

As part of the aforementioned slow approach, twice a week is a good starting point for retinol usage, building up as the skin’s tolerance increases. — Ellie Davis, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Even after the war ends, the Russian military and economy will need years to recover, which gives Europe time to build up its own forces. — Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

Noun

Caused by a defective gene for an enzyme that breaks down the carbohydrate heparan sulfate, it is characterized by a buildup of toxic material in tissues, including brain cells. — Mike McRae 26, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026

But there’s another way to see calcium buildup, hiding in plain sight (almost). — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 26 Aug. 2026