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

Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits, cholesterol and other substances build up inside arteries, according to experts. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026 Now, after months of anticipation building up, a first look at the designer’s debut Nike sneaker collaboration has been unveiled. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2026

Noun

For a scalp detox, try the Scalp Refresh and Nourish serum, which works to clarify, reduce buildup, and calm inflammation. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 6 Oct. 2026 The buildup to both matches was fraught, with the Ireland players coming under pressure not to play the games because of Israel’s actions in Gaza. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for build up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up

Verb

To increase supply, the International Energy Agency agreed on Thursday to release more than 20 million barrels of fuel to the market.

— Arathy Somasekhar Reuters, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
Preparing multiple missions Manufacturing more rocket hardware will not increase launch frequency unless teams can prepare several missions simultaneously.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

Whether lawmakers accept those limits will help determine how much authority the federal government gains over advanced AI systems.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
North Korean engineers have learned from time spent working in Russia’s massive Yelabuga drone factory, and North Korean forces fighting alongside Russia have gained firsthand experience in integrating drones into modern combat.

— Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of gain

Verb

From elevating beds to expanding sections to sliding walls and even entire roofs, these 10 homes transform to get maximum use out of a compact space.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
Blue Origin is expanding its Florida operations to support a much faster launch schedule, targeting multiple New Glenn flights per week by the end of the decade.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of expand

Noun

If Madewell’s current discounts and promotions aren’t piquing your interest, check Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Revolve, Bloomingdale’s, and Shopbop.

— Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 15 Oct. 2026
For Ingersoll and some other religious scholars, Hegseth's promotion of an idea that has largely fallen out of favor with the American public ties in closely with his religious background.

— Odette Yousef, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of promotion

Verb

The price of Brent crude oil rose to $106 per barrel this morning.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
The milestone arrives at a precarious time for Australia’s festival sector, which has seen a wave of cancellations and closures in recent years amid rising costs and softening ticket sales.

— Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of rise

Verb

Dabrowski’s favorite moment came outside the livestream of the Telfar event from New York, where young Parisians gathered in a spirit of community, dressing with individuality rather than for the cameras.

— Alex Badia, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
Under the White House pool system, the networks -- ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC -- rotate responsibilities for gathering and distributing footage of the president's daily movements.

— Miriam Waldvogel, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of gather

Verb

Every clinical breakthrough has cost implications, accelerates the pace of change and widens the gap between what is scientifically possible and what is practical for clinicians delivering care.

— Brad Kreick, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Its performance accelerated the slide of the ANC, once led by Nelson Mandela, which lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid and was forced to form a coalition government.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of accelerate

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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 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of build up

verb

noun

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