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
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
25 June 2026
Lose – to a team that’s going fishing after two disappointing performances – and the bubble of belief that’s built up across the US might burst.
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Ben Church,
CNN Money,
25 June 2026
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Flushable wipes stick to pipes and don’t dissolve like toilet paper, creating buildup and serious blockages.
—
Mallory Carra,
The Spruce,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
Sweep sidewalks regularly to keep dirt and debris from building up and darkening the color.
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Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
25 June 2026
Lose – to a team that’s going fishing after two disappointing performances – and the bubble of belief that’s built up across the US might burst.
—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
25 June 2026
Noun
The Italian star hasn't entered any tour-level events in the buildup to the grass-court Grand Slam, which starts Monday, so his 6-3, 6-3 victory over Cam Norrie in sweltering west London will have to suffice.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Flushable wipes stick to pipes and don’t dissolve like toilet paper, creating buildup and serious blockages.
—
Mallory Carra,
The Spruce,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
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The rent on our apartment has increased by about 70% over the past six years.
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Angels reliever Ryan Zeferjahn (4-3) struck out two in a scoreless seventh to earn the win and increase his hitless streak to 10 innings, with 19 strikeouts, over his last nine appearances.
Verb
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The point Algeria picked up for the draw gave them four for the tournament, one more than Iran gained in their three matches in Group G, and dropped Iran to the ninth spot among the third place teams, one shy of making the round of 32.
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James Stocklas gained some celebrity for his Powerball win, but all of it was positive, and the coverage quickly faded.
Verb
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The military held a similar security strip from 1985 until 2000, before withdrawing after years of steady casualties, a toll that is accumulating once again.
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Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.
Verb
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Love’s Travel Stops just expanded its service offerings for RVs, including light maintenance, battery replacement and tire replacement.
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California's new personal finance graduation requirement The lessons come as California prepares to expand financial education statewide.
Noun
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That’s exactly how Comber — now store director, after a promotion — has used it.
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Amron, Dane, Amanda and Alondra bring deep relationships and a modern understanding of the business, and Chinazam and Kashia have each earned these promotions through hard work and strong instincts.
Verb
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Why the at-home mani pedi trend is growing Three forces are driving the shift, including DIY beauty habits that stuck after the pandemic, the rising price of salon services and a steady stream of social tutorials that make at-home nails feel achievable.
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Estate sales are also a source, though Miranda-Martin feels the rising popularity of these sales in Los Angeles has led to an increase in pricing.
Verb
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As the finalists from each state move on to the 'Best Pet in Nation' round of the Pet Lovers' Choice Awards, the team at USA TODAY Pets has gathered all the finalists, runner-ups and third place pets from each region.
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Hundreds of people have gathered throughout the week to carry posters, shout slogans, and sing.
Verb
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Co-founder and tour guide Hannah Michelle Brower says the tour will be a historical journey exploring passenger pigeons and the Lenape people, as well as looking at how the arrival of European colonizers accelerated commercial exploitation and ultimately contributed to the extinction of the bird.
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Over time, this can increase electrical resistance, generate excess heat, and accelerate battery degradation.
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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