build up 1 of 2

1
2
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

buildup

2 of 2

noun

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 buildup
Verb
Experts say this unpleasant feeling can be caused by irritation from synthetic extensions, a dehydrated scalp, and product buildup. Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 24 June 2025 Inflation, rising construction costs and work to remove the buildup of water in basements, tunnels and land throughout the site also drove up the overall cost, the district said. Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Noun
When air is stagnant, pollutants don't get dispersed, allowing ozone to build up to unhealthy levels. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025 The orchestra built up in the next few years a deficit of around $17 million. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for buildup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buildup
Verb
  • The gap between the top 75th percentile and the bottom 25th percentile performers increased by 1.5 times in Q1 2025 compared to a year earlier, with market leaders continuing to charge ahead while the bottom 20% to 30% of the sector continued to report a reduction in growth.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 19 June 2025
  • In the long term, budget experts warn that an aging population and rising health care costs mean entitlement spending will gobble an increasing percentage of gross domestic product (GDP).
    Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Wharton gained 30 pounds his freshman year in the weight room.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025
  • Florida gained more than 63,000 New Yorkers in a single year, contributing to a net loss of 244,000 residents from New York in 2022 alone.
    Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Since founding his hugely successful e-commerce company Amazon in 1994, Jeff Bezos has accumulated a net worth that warrants his title as the third richest man on the planet.
    Diane J. Cho, People.com, 28 June 2025
  • Dryer vents tend to gradually accumulate hair, dust, and lint during normal operation.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • However, as has been the case with other annual shopping events, retailers expanded the promotional period to start May 13, a week earlier than in 2024, before ending June 18.
    Bernice Ooi, CNBC, 20 June 2025
  • Last year, his position expanded to include chief franchise officer.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • His new role solidifies his place in the ongoing integration between the two promotions.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • In his first fight with the promotion, the New Zealander faced a short-notice opponent in Elias Garcia.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • That, however, may be a blessing in disguise that allows Fatu to rise up the ranks on SmackDown even quicker than expected.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Today, however, the Yellowhammer State has seen a run of artists mixing Southern rock and country rise from the independent ranks to the mainstream.
    Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Pam’s family and friends gathered in the courthouse in Broomfield, Colorado, just outside Boulder in April of 2019.
    Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • However, runoff from these earlier heavy rain will gather in streams and other low-lying areas and is expected to prompt flash flooding.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Putting oneself in those situations that challenge conversational comfort zones and embracing discomfort, tension and unresolved conflicts accelerates growth significantly.
    Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025
  • Throughout the 1960s, New York City’s financial sector boomed, yet simultaneously, poverty rates soared, deindustrialization accelerated, and housing costs skyrocketed.
    Daniel Wortel-London, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Buildup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buildup. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!