BUILD UP Synonyms: 195 Similar and Opposite Words

build up 1 of 2

verb

Definition of build up

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

as in to gain

to gradually increase in the roller coaster built up momentum

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

buildup

2 of 2

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 build up

Verb

This leads to the build up of lactic acid, which is what makes your muscles feel sore. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026 This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2026

Noun

Researchers calculated that higher p-tau217 levels at the beginning of the study were consistently linked with greater risk, even after adjusting for amyloid buildup. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 17 July 2026 Lopez’s third and final surgery in November 2025 relieved a buildup of fluid in the brain. — Mary Ella Hastings updated July 16, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for build up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up

Verb

In recent months, drone sightings in Nikopol have increased from two or three per day to about three every hour, day and night, Varytsev says.

— Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Homelessness after incarceration increases the chances that someone will end up back behind bars, at a steep cost to taxpayers.

— Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

What happens when interconnected debt starts accumulating faster than human understanding can keep pace?

— Doug Shannon, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Research indicates that, as apex predators, sharks accumulate high levels of heavy metals — including arsenic, mercury and lead — in their blood and tissues.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026

Definition of accumulate

Verb

The Office of the State Auditor maintained that its interest in a Midland site was based on expanding geographic access to early voting, not dictating the county’s final plan.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Although revenues have expanded substantially, income needs to continue growing rapidly for Newcastle to sustain a higher salary base and regularly sign the best players.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Definition of expand

Noun

Following the club’s relegation to the Championship for the first time since 2011, Kretinsky urgently needed to convince club captain Jarrod Bowen to lead their promotion push.

— Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 18 July 2026
Twenty-three of those were filled through internal promotions of former assistant principals or other staff, while the other 25 were external hires.

— Samuel O’Neal July 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026

Definition of promotion

Verb

Officials said the warning systems built since last year’s catastrophic floods were activated in Kerr County in the early hours before water levels began to rise, allowing for people to react quickly to flooding threats.

— Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
On linear television, the series is up +62% among adults 18-49, +26% among adults 25-54 and +30% in total viewers, with P2+ viewing across VOD platforms rising +44% within seven days of airing.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 16 July 2026

Definition of rise

Verb

Two nights before the final, a couple of thousand people gathered at the Javits Center in Manhattan to gaze at stars.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Larry the Cat, who has lived at 10 Downing Street for the last 15 years, has been spotted relaxing this morning, seemingly unfazed by all the media gathered outside.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Definition of gather

Verb

Engineers believe exposing robots to everyday activities such as cooking will accelerate their development for applications beyond manufacturing, including hospitality, retail, healthcare, and domestic assistance.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026
This transformation is not the product of any single administration, although recent political polarization has accelerated it.

— John Eger, Mercury News, 17 July 2026

Definition of accelerate

Browse Nearby Words

builds up

build up

buildup

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Style

“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of build up

verb

noun

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