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
Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026
Pride celebrations also continue, building up to next week’s parade and street festival, including a family day at Glen Echo Park and late-night dance parties.
—Fritz Hahn, Washington Post, 11 June 2026
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
How Often To Clean A Refrigerator Your fridge should be cleaned every week to prevent bacteria buildup that can make its way into your food.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
The narrative, mixed with the sequencing and how the songs fit, all build up to a journey of highs and lows.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026
Pride celebrations also continue, building up to next week’s parade and street festival, including a family day at Glen Echo Park and late-night dance parties.
—Fritz Hahn, Washington Post, 11 June 2026
Noun
Polish and wax afterward to help fight future buildup.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
How Often To Clean A Refrigerator Your fridge should be cleaned every week to prevent bacteria buildup that can make its way into your food.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
-
Baird added that interest in luxury homes has increased recently among SpaceX's mid-30s to early-40s employee base, according to California real estate agents.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
13 June 2026
-
Be careful when riding back downtown on a bike, as the hill notoriously increases cycling speed.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
In 1803, after the Louisiana Purchase effectively doubled the size of the country, religious entrepreneurs gained access to a vast new market.—
Michael Luo,
New Yorker,
14 June 2026
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But studies have found that voter trust slides as results lag, and this primary made clear that disinformation gains more traction the longer contests drag on, especially with lead changes.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
Verb
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Although at the end of his life, my dad had managed to accumulate more than enough money to keep him and my mom happy, he was obsessed about money, probably due to his own difficult upbringing and the trauma associated with it.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2026
-
Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
15 June 2026
Verb
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Ulbrich envisions Walker expanding his leadership role on the defense as well with Elliss and defensive tackle David Onyemata no longer in the building.—
Josh Kendall,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
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The backstory What started as a private project, owned by former TAP Air pilot Gonçalo Pessoa and wife Patrícia Trigo, has expanded over the years to become arguably the most talked about resort in Portugal.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Henderson Silver Knights coach Ryan Craig is the only coach who has been with the organization from Day 1, and could be in line for the ultimate promotion.—
Jesse Granger,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
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An individual used a promotion for a 5% discount off their fare, but the price to get to The Grove was actually about 50 cents higher than that of those who didn't receive a discount.—
Kristine Lazar,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Verb
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The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
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At the same time, agriculture is one of the sectors most threatened by climate change, with rising temperatures set to devastate food crops around the world.—
Jasmin Sykes,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
Verb
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On this late May evening, the 15 men gathered there were contemplating tackling something few had previously had the courage or skill to take on.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
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Early yesterday, as Argentina sealed a 3-0 victory over Algeria, hundreds of fans gathered on the courtyard lawn of Beijing’s Argentine Embassy to cheer the team on.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
Verb
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The left-hander had a loose body removed from his elbow in an innovative surgical procedure on May 6 that accelerated his return.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
-
In 2026, many believed the war might accelerate regime change.—
Julia Vargas Jones,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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