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
Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
Pressure built up, which cracked the heat shield and ultimately resulted in larger pieces chipping off during the final reentry.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Michelle Kuo, The Dial, 14 Apr. 2026
Scientists found that higher levels of pTau217 predicted a faster buildup of Alzheimer’s disease pathology, even when initial brain scans appeared normal.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
About 24 seconds after its final descent, Orion will go out of contact with mission control for about six minutes as plasma builds up around the spacecraft.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
Pressure built up, which cracked the heat shield and ultimately resulted in larger pieces chipping off during the final reentry.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
In the South China Sea, Xi told President Obama that China would not militarize the Spratly Islands, yet soon after began constructing runways, installing radar systems and deploying missiles, culminating in a full-scale military buildup.
—Michelle Kuo, The Dial, 14 Apr. 2026
Scientists found that higher levels of pTau217 predicted a faster buildup of Alzheimer’s disease pathology, even when initial brain scans appeared normal.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
-
The list of measures in the statement touches on ties that China had suspended in recent years as tensions increased.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Crews also removed a wooden timber debris screen in front of one of the dam's gates to help increase water flow through it.—
Nick Lentz,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Among them, two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors are gaining traction as a promising post-Moore pathway, offering atomically thin structures that could enable continued transistor scaling while improving energy efficiency and performance.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Apr. 2026
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Fox News Digital previously reported that Costco Travel has gained traction among budget-conscious travelers looking to maximize savings.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
No accumulating snow is expected on the Grapevine over Interstate 5 but there could be a mix of rain and snow there Monday morning.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
13 Apr. 2026
-
On a cruise ship, the tote carries sunscreen, a change of clothes for port days, market finds, a book, and whatever else the day accumulates.—
Amanda Eyre Ward,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The law will expand background checks for adults living with guardians and create a new Child Welfare Ombudsman, which is an independent advocate inside the attorney general's office to handle complaints and review child welfare practices.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
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Cooper, who has long served as the host of Call Her Daddy since 2018 alongside her ex-cohost Sofia Franklyn, expanded her podcasting empire into the Unwell Network in August 2023.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Of course, none of this alone is reason to turn down a direct promotion to the next linear step up in your career path.—
Ashton Jackson,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Before his promotion, Velasco oversaw relations with the United States and Canada as the ministry’s chief for North America.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Other important ceremonial garments are also on display, including the Queen’s wedding dress, from 1947, another Hartnell creation that incorporated not just the white rose of the House of York but also featured orange blossoms, a symbol of fertility.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
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Areas near the river from just east of O’Hare International Airport north to the Wisconsin border were under a flood warning due to the river’s rising levels, according to the National Weather Service.—
Madeline King,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Your communication skills are the best way to gather allies, near and far, online and in real life.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
17 Apr. 2026
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This design-forward district blends high-end shopping with dynamic culinary experiences, art installations, gathering spaces, events, and more.—
Ellie Nan Storck,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The scrutiny of fame has always been dehumanizing, though the ubiquity of the modern-day comment section has surely accelerated and exaggerated its cruelty.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
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Members of the first group will be fine even as college closures accelerate.—
Jeffrey Selingo,
The Atlantic,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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