build up 1 of 2

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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

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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
While this clash may be anticipated by many fans, the buildup to Cena and Paul's in-ring fight hasn't been without issues. Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Aug. 2025 Men typically have plaque buildup in their major arteries and experience more traditional signs of a heart attack such as chest pain. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
Through countless binges and marathons, the NBC sitcom has built up a fan devotion that borders on religious. Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 3 Sep. 2025 That builds up an actual brand. Tamara Warren, ArsTechnica, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for buildup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buildup
Verb
  • Federal Supplement Security Income payments would increase for January but those payments would be made at the end of December.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • But there is really no reason why this should be the case for Pilates—which consists of different low-impact movements to strengthen your core muscles, increase your flexibility, improve your posture and give you more awareness of your body in general.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This was the lowest yardage gained in a game under coach Zac Taylor.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Shinjiro Koizumi, the telegenic political scion who has gained prominence as Ishiba’s farm minister tasked with trying to cap soaring prices, is another possible successor.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Nick O’Brien also had a big day, accumulating 423 yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns.
    Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Despite the changes to the law, El Salvador is still accumulating bitcoin.
    Javier Bastardo, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The tournament expanded from 24 teams to 32 at the start of the 1999-2000 season, with a second group stage then played before being replaced with the round of 16 in 2003-04.
    Will Jeanes, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • This shift is reinforced by Russia’s push to expand its eastward infrastructure through the Power of Siberia pipelines cementing a more permanent divide in global energy markets.
    Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The edge-of-roster promotions of pitchers like Ryan Borucki and Easton Lucas won’t suddenly save the bullpen.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • While the brand initially started off as a column in a youth-run magazine, Dimoldenberg parlayed the idea into a digital series which is now increasingly being used by film marketing teams as part of the press cycle for film promotion.
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Set in early-1960s New York City, the film follows a folk song singing Minnesotan with a guitar and a dream, rising from a coffeehouse performer to a counterculture legend.
    Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Gabby Provenzano rose at the near post and powered home a header from point-blank range in the 81st minute, assisted by Sabrina McNeill’s cross off a corner.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.
    Mark Cooper, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • More than 100 people gathered at Idaho Capitol steps on Friday evening for the second annual Boise Trans March to rally for LGBTQ+ rights in Idaho — a state where these groups feel under attack.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 rallied 1% after data showed accelerating growth in earnings for Japanese workers.
    Stan Choe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Google and Meta on Friday announced new partnerships with Reliance Industries as the Indian conglomerate seeks to accelerate its push into artificial intelligence.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Buildup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buildup. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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