build up

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verb

Definition of BUILD UP

1

to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number <static electricity built up on the cat's fur>

Synonyms accelerate, accumulate, appreciate, balloon, boom, build up, burgeon (also bourgeon), climb, enlarge, escalate, expand, gain, mount, multiply, mushroom, proliferate, rise, roll up, snowball, spread, swell, wax

Related Words jump, rocket, skyrocket, surge; heighten, intensify, redouble; blow up, bulk, distend, inflate, puff (up); crescendo, crest, peak

Antonyms contract, decrease, diminish, dwindle, lessen, recede, wane

2

to gradually increase in <the roller coaster built up momentum>

Synonyms build up, gather, grow (in), pick up

Related Words double (in), triple (in); accrue, accumulate, amass; excite, stimulate; enhance, enlarge, enrich, expand, extend, maximize; boost, elevate, jack (up), mount, ramp (up), step up

Near Antonyms abate, decline (in), diminish (in), dip, dwindle, fall (in), lessen, taper, taper off

Antonyms decrease (in), lose

3

to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass <evidence that the toxic chemical builds up in the bloodstream to unhealthy levels>

Synonyms accrete, accumulate, amass, build up, concentrate, conglomerate, gather, mass, pile (up), stack (up)

Related Words agglutinate, clump, lump; bank, drift, ridge

Near Antonyms disperse, dissipate, scatter

4

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 accelerate, add (to), aggrandize, amplify, augment, boost, build up, compound, enlarge, escalate, expand, extend, hype, multiply, pump up, raise, swell, stoke, supersize, up

Related Words boom, jump, skyrocket, spike; bump (up), ratchet (up) also rachet (up); blow up, dilate, distend, inflate; draw out, elongate, flesh (out), lengthen, prolong, protract, stretch; develop, enhance, heighten, intensify, magnify; complement, supplement; beef (up), reinforce (also reenforce), strengthen; maximize; accumulate, amass, collect; follow up, parlay

Near Antonyms abbreviate, abridge, curtail, shorten; compress, condense, constrict, contract; cut back, retrench

Antonyms abate, decrease, de-escalate, diminish, downsize, dwindle, lessen, lower, minify, reduce, subtract (from)