BUILD (UP) Synonyms: 195 Similar and Opposite Words

build up 1 of 2

verb

Definition of build up

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

as in to gain

to gradually increase in the roller coaster built up momentum

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

buildup

2 of 2

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

Verb

Reliever Seth Halvorsen gave up three hits without recording an out in the ninth, but the Dodgers had built up enough of a lead to weather a Washington (67-76) comeback attempt. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026 The chip giant has become one of the biggest strategic backers of tech companies in the world as it's built up equity stakes across the AI stack, as well as helping to bankroll GPU purchases with increasingly complex financial arrangements. — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026

Noun

Over time, that buildup can actually dull the finish and make the whole room feel less clean, even if everything else is spotless. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026 The buildup of these compounds can damage cells, impacting your gut microbiome and immune system. — Merve Ceylan, HEALTH, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for build up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up

Verb

The political costs will be calculated in November’s midterm congressional elections, with Republicans facing increasing headwinds from the war’s unpopularity.

— Ben Finley, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
For a house assessed at the county average of $270,000 last year, this year’s county tax bill would increase $58 to $2,165, according to a Miami Herald calculation based on a home that pays county taxes for municipal, fire and library services.

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

Insights gained from the pilot project will form the basis for a potential future application of these materials in series-production battery cells.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
After a first dose, people gain protective antibodies quickly and immunity levels peak within about two weeks.

— Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of gain

Verb

The system is a maze in which laws collide with gray areas, where layers upon layers of policy have accumulated over decades in a pile waiting for reform that has never come.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
This wasn’t an isolated incident; other concrete gifts that Wilson has accumulated this year now decorate the backyard in Ridgewood, Queens.

— Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of accumulate

Verb

Let collaboration expand the possibility without handing over ownership of it.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
Novelis is expanding its portfolio of coated aluminum solutions for battery applications, targeting components including battery enclosures, casings and electrical connectors known as bus bars.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of expand

Noun

This was a reference — as part of a promotion for Wrexham’s front-of-kit sponsor, Firefox — to the three teams that Southampton admitted to spying on last season.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026
Drake’s promotion of Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) four months after unleashing three albums left many wondering whether a fourth LP was on the horizon.

— Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of promotion

Verb

Profits returned to growth this year, rising 3% to just over $1 trillion, after a 5% decline in 2025.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2026
The proportion of people older than 65 is rising rapidly, while the working-age population that supports them shrinks.

— Venki Ramakrishnan, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of rise

Verb

Hours after the tragedy occurred, dozens of community members and teenagers gathered in Manhattan’s East Village at the intersection of East 14th Street and First Avenue to pay tribute to Serkov.

— Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026
About 60 present and past members of the Aurora Lamplighter Chorus and Elgin’s Fox Valley Harmonizers gathered in August to celebrate each group’s 80th anniversary.

— Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of gather

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builds up

build up

buildup

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Style

“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of build up

verb

noun

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