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 buildup
Mariano-Florentino CuÉllar, Foreign Affairs, 25 Sep. 2025
Many bald Black women swear by shampooing their scalp with a light product to remove sweat, oil, and general buildup.
—Essence, 24 Sep. 2025
Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Avoid using bubble wrap or plastics, as this material can allow moisture to build up quickly, causing rot or mold to develop.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buildup
Verb
As the United States should tell China (behind closed doors), its nuclear buildup is stoking security anxieties in Asia and leading other countries in the region to contemplate developing their own nuclear weapons.
—Mariano-Florentino CuÉllar, Foreign Affairs, 25 Sep. 2025
Many bald Black women swear by shampooing their scalp with a light product to remove sweat, oil, and general buildup.
—Essence, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
Von said there are elements of Hollywood fame that scare him, including a cycle where people are built up and then torn down.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Avoid using bubble wrap or plastics, as this material can allow moisture to build up quickly, causing rot or mold to develop.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buildup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buildup
Verb
-
In 2024, that number increased just slightly—by less than 1%—compared to the year before.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Johnson’s detractors accuse him of championing Bukele despite his increasing abuses of power.—
T. Christian Miller,
ProPublica,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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With both teams aiming to avoid a 1–3 start, this game presents an opportunity for one to gain momentum and establish a positive direction for the rest of the season.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Sep. 2025
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Lessons will include crafting song lyrics, gaining confidence in artistic expression and pairing songwriters with students in a mentorship program.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
28 Sep. 2025
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The Tigers accumulated 10 hits and four walks overall, but struck out 12 times and never scored again.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Educational Freedom Accounts program significantly expand state taxpayer funding of student tuition and other costs related to private schools and some home-school expenses.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Oct. 2025
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This is a sister organization to the Heritage Foundation, the think tank behind Project 2025—a sweeping conservative policy blueprint aimed at reshaping the federal government by expanding presidential power, dismantling parts of the civil service, and rolling back regulations across agencies.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Season one ended on a cliffhanger as Joanne was hesitant to convert to Judaism, despite Noah’s promotion to head rabbi.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Sep. 2025
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The partnership will include large-scale viewing parties, concerts, meet-and-greets with former stars, co-branded merchandise and retail promotions.—
Luke Fountain,
CNBC,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Courtney Stodden rose to fame as a tabloid fixture and reality TV star after marrying 51-year-old actor Doug Hutchison at age 16.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
27 Sep. 2025
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Despite having full-time employment, many struggle to save enough for housing due to stagnant wages and rising expenses.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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On Thursday, attendees including Chris Briney, Teyana Taylor and Scott Eastwood, among others, turned out alongside Chanel in-house perfumer creator Olivier Polge for the rooftop gathering off of Madison Square Park, boasting views of the skyline.—
James Manso,
Footwear News,
26 Sep. 2025
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Militaries want robots that scout ahead, gather intelligence on beaches and littoral zones, and carry supplies during complex water-to-shore moves.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This project secures funding through the Critical Design Review phase, procurement of long lead material for qualification, and will enable increased and accelerated capacity for solid rocket motor production, according to a press release.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Sep. 2025
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Government initiatives have accelerated this shift.—
Li Jun,
Footwear News,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buildup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buildup. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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