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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of build up
John Towfighi, CNN Money, 23 Jan. 2026
Some towels take longer to dry because of the material they're made with, which can cause unwanted smells to build up faster than others.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2026
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2026
The American Heart Association is increasingly highlighting this psychological-physiological link, noting that emotional health can accelerate the development of cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension and plaque buildup.
—Care Resource, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
Meanwhile, central banks around the globe including China continue to build up their gold reserves, easing their reliance on US assets.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 23 Jan. 2026
Some towels take longer to dry because of the material they're made with, which can cause unwanted smells to build up faster than others.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
How Often To Clean A Bathtub Cleaning your bathtub once a week will help prevent the buildup of soap scum and make maintenance cleaning much easier.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2026
The American Heart Association is increasingly highlighting this psychological-physiological link, noting that emotional health can accelerate the development of cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension and plaque buildup.
—Care Resource, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
-
Winds will also increase, especially at the coast, gusting between 25- 35 mph at times.—
Matthew Villafane,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Future Amazon Leo satellites are expected to orbit at lower altitudes of around 366 miles (590 km), which will further increase their brightness.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
These special moments have helped the monks’ walk gain traction on social media, where their Facebook following recently surpassed 1 million followers.—
Christina Shaw,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
-
As the protests gained momentum, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, began posting messages calling for a general uprising.—
Karl Vick,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Central bank buying remains a cornerstone, with emerging market institutions, particularly in the East, continuing to accumulate reserves.—
Sean Lee,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Across some of the most productive farmland in the United States, a nutrient called phosphorus has been accumulating in the soil for decades, at levels far beyond what crops actually require.—
Dinesh Phuyal,
The Conversation,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Jennie headlined Coachella as a solo artist while expanding her fashion ventures.—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
In recent years, auction houses have expanded their categories as luxury goods and collectibles have helped buoy their sales.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Following album promotions in the spring and a potential anniversary encore concert in the summer, the group may offer clearer signals about their future.—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Effective immediately, the policy will allow athletes of MHSAA-member schools to capitalize on NIL through individual opportunities such as endorsements and promotions, personal appearances, modeling and autograph signings.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Revenues surged, subscriber numbers exploded, and the stock price rose accordingly.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
For now, the SGG is allowed to rise only until her level of ambition or desire becomes societally untenable—then her audience demands punishment.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
By combining enhanced light-gathering capability with advanced image processing, Hollyland says the Lyra achieves the kind of image quality more usually associated with mirrorless cameras, but in a more compact form factor.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
On Thursday, Greystone's linemen gathered for a crucial safety briefing, underscoring the importance of caution during what could become a hazardous, multi-day operation.—
Nakell Williams,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The race to commercialize perovskite technology has accelerated rapidly in recent years.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The transfer portal, which opened Friday, allows programs to accelerate the rebuilding process and replace departing players — more than 20 in Florida’s case.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
