as in to develop
to produce or bring about especially by long or repeated effort
spent years working up a period novel that was historically accurate in every detail
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Recent Examples of work up
Whenever possible, invest the necessary resources to enable prospective partners to see your work up close and personal.
—
Jennifer Lotito, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
After all, Mike Shildt’s club still enjoys good pitching health by Major League Baseball’s standards, so there’s no point in getting worked up about a few defeats in a row.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2025
Ilona Maher worked up quite an appetite while in town posing for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s show at the W during Miami Swim Week.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025
Tips Scrub your hair gently yet thoroughly when using sulfate-free shampoo to work up the best lather possible.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for work up
Jennifer Lotito, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
After all, Mike Shildt’s club still enjoys good pitching health by Major League Baseball’s standards, so there’s no point in getting worked up about a few defeats in a row.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2025
Ilona Maher worked up quite an appetite while in town posing for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s show at the W during Miami Swim Week.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025
Tips Scrub your hair gently yet thoroughly when using sulfate-free shampoo to work up the best lather possible.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for work up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for work up
Verb
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Reef habitats support aquatic plants and animals, allowing young marine life to develop.—
Rafe Pomerance,
Sun Sentinel,
6 July 2025
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As a result, Tehran has tried to balance Chinese influence by maintaining strong ties to India, Beijing’s chief rival within the developing world.—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
6 July 2025
Verb
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Those helming businesses are required to make a crucial call about staying the course amid uncertainty or forging a brave, new path.—
Naazneen Karmali,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
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Combs founded Bad Boy Records in 1993 and forged a roster of stars that jettisoned hip-hop into the mainstream, including the late Notorious B.I.G., Mase, Faith Evans and the groups 112 and Total, among others.—
Curtis Bunn,
NBC news,
3 July 2025
Verb
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One thing is for sure, Robinson’s decision to exercise the early-termination option in his contract for next season created a bit of salary-cap flexibility for the Heat this summer.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2025
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Either way, the ceramic mineral complex uses negative ions to seal the hair’s cuticle, locking in moisture while creating long-lasting curls.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
1 July 2025
Verb
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If not, being left out worked out pretty well for Lindor last season.—
Drew VonScio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
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Things usually work out — however, the SHARAD instrument has always been at a disadvantage.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Work up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/work%20up. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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