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
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Recent Examples of build up
Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
For three months, the participants did treadmill workouts twice a week, gradually building up their fitness.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Spring training is six weeks of buildup to opening day.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
In order to prevent the mold from developing in the first place, leave the door slightly open after each use so moisture doesn’t build up inside the drum.
—Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
For three months, the participants did treadmill workouts twice a week, gradually building up their fitness.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
Japan considers China a growing security threat and has pushed a military buildup on southwestern islands near the East China Sea.
—Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Spring training is six weeks of buildup to opening day.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
-
Trump’s increasing willingness to use overwhelming military force to pursue American interests abroad throws that calculus into question.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Mar. 2026
-
City records from November show police planned to install six more cameras and increase lighting.—
Cameron Knight,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The case in Rio de Janeiro’s famed beachside neighborhood, which allegedly took place in January, gained national traction last week when four suspects handed themselves over to authorities.—
Eléonore Hughes,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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That is when people gain an hour of sleep.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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When Allan’s face and body were bloated as if all the years of music (playing and knowledge) had accumulated in his skin, tissue, and organs.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Mar. 2026
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The official said the Yolo County District Attorney’s criminal investigation into Esparto, now in its eighth month is scrutinizing how Chee accumulated his wealth.—
Joe Rubin,
Sacbee.com,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Situationist is also expanding its team, with a new office above the new store.—
Lucy Maguire,
Vogue,
10 Mar. 2026
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Republican lawmakers are opposed to expanding health care to undocumented immigrants, and particularly ready to attack Democrat efforts to raise new revenues to do so.—
Andrew Graham
March 9,
Sacbee.com,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Whether it’s being passed over for a promotion, receiving harsh feedback, or losing a contract to a competitor, setbacks happen.—
Nir Eyal,
CNBC,
10 Mar. 2026
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Mo’Nique took to Instagram to pen an open letter about the incident, in which Goldberg criticized Mo’Nique’s decision not to participate in additional promotion for her starring role in Lee Daniels’ acclaimed 2009 movie.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Over the years, Franklin has risen from special teams ace to every-down linebacker.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
This shift comes amid rising government instability in Africa.—
Adrian Elimian,
semafor.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
As additional observations from telescopes around the world were gathered throughout 2025, scientists were able to refine its orbit.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Mar. 2026
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In a voice note sent by the second Tehran resident on Wednesday night, the sound of pro-regime demonstrators who had gathered for the first day of official mourning for Khamenei can be heard chanting in the background.—
Kara Fox,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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China’s consumer-price growth accelerated to the quickest in over three years and factory deflation moderated again, after a rally in energy markets and as household spending boomed during a later-than-usual Lunar New Year holiday.—
Bloomberg News,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
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But record-breaking temperatures in recent years have led scientists to question whether the pace of temperature gains is accelerating.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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