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
Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
While tantrums seem to come out of nowhere, striking with speed and intensity at the most inopportune times, scientists have been zeroing in on the buildup that can be underway for some time before an eruption.
—Michelle Fay Cortez, Bloomberg, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
Sherrill built up an advantage among those early voters—51 percent were Democrats, while only 29 percent were Republicans.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
Williams, 69, has survived a fall while home alone, a brain bleed, a coma for nine days, and in-bed surgery to drain fluid buildup in his brain — and a major recovery effort.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026
While tantrums seem to come out of nowhere, striking with speed and intensity at the most inopportune times, scientists have been zeroing in on the buildup that can be underway for some time before an eruption.
—Michelle Fay Cortez, Bloomberg, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
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The committee approved Lucas’s amendment and approved the recommendation to increase funding for the temporary jail.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
7 Jan. 2026
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Iwobi’s movement drags Ladislav Krejci wider, increasing the space between the lines and creating a clear passing angle for Calvin Bassey.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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If Enceladus doesn’t gain enough energy, its surface activity would slow down or stop, and the ocean could eventually freeze.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Nov. 2025
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A week after a 27-10 road win at Syracuse, North Carolina turned in a dreadful first half against Stanford (3-7, 2-5 ACC), gaining only 47 total yards on its way to a 3-3 halftime tie.—
Justin Williams,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Higher elevations from West Virginia through the border of North Carolina and Tennessee can expect accumulating snow.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In addition to WeRide and Pony AI, Baidu is also expanding its robotaxi offerings through its Apollo Go vehicles.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
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That includes a new and robust collaboration with Brazil’s federal government and 22 of its states—including Pará—to expand cooperation on climate action.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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During the live video, Khan mentioned New Japan Strong and Ring of Honor (ROH) as promotions that would be interested in seeing a National Champion appear at their events.—
Matthew Couden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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Eventually, the consumer will click on a promotion from a new bank and open an account.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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But Vanderbilt, as attention, pressure and fatigue rise on a pursuit no one outside its camp expected, is essentially two teams with two games left in the 2025 regular season.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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Water levels of small streams may also rise rapidly.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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That evening, his team-mates at Bottesford gathered in their clubhouse following a 2-2 draw at home to Golcar United, where there had been a moment of reflection ahead of kick-off.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
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Officers also gathered at HCA-Florida Kendall Hospital.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The researchers emphasized that policy support is crucial for accelerating this transition and building a robust recycling system.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
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Business leaders say that such policies risk accelerating an exodus of companies, diminishing the city’s commercial tax base, and ultimately affecting services and jobs essential to millions of New Yorkers.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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