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
David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026
But the lagoons at the mouth of coastal creeks such as Aliso Creek and nearby San Mateo Creek are usually closed off from the sea by sand that builds up.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Alexandria Nyembwe, Health, 14 Jan. 2026
Trimming encroaching ivy protects fences, trees, and property by preventing rot, storm damage, and moisture buildup that attracts pests.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
But some of those players, along with other standout veterans, could be viewed by him as trade pieces to build up draft capital.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026
But the lagoons at the mouth of coastal creeks such as Aliso Creek and nearby San Mateo Creek are usually closed off from the sea by sand that builds up.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
Reduces Plaque Buildup in Arteries Plaque is a buildup of fatty substances, including cholesterol, that forms inside the walls of arteries.
—Alexandria Nyembwe, Health, 14 Jan. 2026
Trimming encroaching ivy protects fences, trees, and property by preventing rot, storm damage, and moisture buildup that attracts pests.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
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Hadi of the weather service said those increasing winds could create hazardous marine conditions in South Florida, so swimmers and boaters should stay aware.—
Sofia Saric,
Miami Herald,
14 Jan. 2026
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The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has pushed back the start date of the new Clean Heat Standard (CHS) – a regulatory scheme that increases costs for natural gas, propane and oil providers to support state climate goals – back two years to 2028.—
Tim Dunn,
Boston Herald,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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These special moments have helped the monks’ walk gain traction on social media, where their Facebook following recently surpassed 1 million followers.—
Christina Shaw,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
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As the protests gained momentum, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, began posting messages calling for a general uprising.—
Karl Vick,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Points will accumulate for 10 straight races in the playoffs, so technically a driver could clinch a championship before the final race was ever run.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Jan. 2026
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This friction causes the surface of the lens to accumulate and store a large amount of negative static electricity.—
Abhimanyu Ghoshal,
New Atlas,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Flywing also plans to expand the competitive side of the platform.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Neutrality allowed the nation to build strength, expand westward, and avoid the ideological contagions sweeping the continent.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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But the tickets can be used on consecutive or nonconsecutive dates, and visitors can opt to visit a single WDW park on more than one day during the promotion.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Jan. 2026
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Also ahead for the Grammy winner is a tour in promotion of her 2024 album Eternal Sunshine, beginning in June 2026.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Asia-Pacific markets were mixed Friday, though chip stocks broadly rose.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Pricey rooftops Of course, California housing costs rise as you near the water.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Investigators gathered images from surveillance video that prosecutors said showed Thurman’s face and submitted them to Illinois’ facial recognition program, which led to his identification.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
16 Jan. 2026
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The roving raids targeting car washes, parking lots where day laborers gather and garment factories disrupted immigrant communities throughout the region for weeks in June and July.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The race to commercialize perovskite technology has accelerated rapidly in recent years.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Jan. 2026
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The transfer portal, which opened Friday, allows programs to accelerate the rebuilding process and replace departing players — more than 20 in Florida’s case.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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