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
Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
San Antonio police arrested six people while clearing a homeless camp that had built up along Loop 410 near North Star Mall.
—Jacob Beltran, San Antonio Express-News, 26 Feb. 2026
Claire Maldarelli, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2026
In Georgia, construction of a Meta data center led to sediment buildup in water infrastructure that affected nearby homes.
—Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
Over time, carbon deposits will build up in the fuel system and cause it, along with the fuel injectors, to get dirty.
—Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
San Antonio police arrested six people while clearing a homeless camp that had built up along Loop 410 near North Star Mall.
—Jacob Beltran, San Antonio Express-News, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
Long, deep incisions are made on either side of the injury, allowing the swollen muscles some room to move and relieving the buildup of pressure.
—Claire Maldarelli, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2026
In Georgia, construction of a Meta data center led to sediment buildup in water infrastructure that affected nearby homes.
—Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
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As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, Ukraine’s birth rate is collapsing, with increasing number of people struggling with fertility or putting off the decision to have children.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
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Climate mandates The Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, like Eversource, says state climate mandates and policies are the main driver behind increasing utility bills in the Bay State, specifically naming the NetZero by 2050 climate mandate.—
Tim Dunn,
Boston Herald,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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With diesel engines remaining popular among Australian ute buyers and hybrids gaining ground, the company appears to be positioning the KP31 at the intersection of both trends.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
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Recent polling data indicates Republican candidates have gained competitive ground, with conservative commentator Steve Hilton leading the field at 17% support, followed by Democrat Eric Swalwell and Republican Chad Bianco tied at 14%, suggesting the race structure favors neither party decisively.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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For instance scientists found cocaine in the blood of sharks off Rio de Janeiro, as these substances travel through waterways and accumulate in marine life.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
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Classic six-sided snowflakes, known as dendritic flakes, accumulate best.—
Stephanie Pappas,
Scientific American,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Oseguera was the leader and co-founder of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a criminal group that has rapidly expanded its influence in recent years, becoming one of the main traffickers of methamphetamine and fentanyl into the US.—
Gonzalo Zegarra,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
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Future Publishing | Future Publishing | Getty Images Four years of war between Russia and Ukraine are beginning to take their toll on the countries' demographics as the conflict puts women off — or prevents them — from starting or expanding their families.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Ultimately there were no discounts, though some third-party gift-card promotions took place.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Brands that respond to uncertainty through promotions potentially risk accelerating the erosion of their long-term brand equity — and failing to answer how a brand justifies its price over time.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The report estimates that the average selling price of smartphones will rise 14% this year to an all-time high of $523, while manufacturers will no longer be able to make phones that cost less than $100.—
Wayne Chang,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
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Style it with sneakers and a crossbody bag for long travel days, or swap in sandals and sunnies when temperatures rise.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, Shah Alam’s friends and family gathered at a mosque Thursday for his funeral, offering prayers before accompanying him to a cemetery for burial.—
Alisha Ebrahimji,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
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The two weeks of events will wrap up next week with a large celebration of life gathering at a Chicago megachurch and finally, home-going services at the headquarters of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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By doing this, the team effectively took a motor designed to accelerate a dirt bike aggressively and put it into a tiny quadricycle roughly the size of a fridge.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Feb. 2026
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The moment land became a milestone, the campaign accelerated.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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