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

There was this space from creating in the box that is the Temper Trap … Slowly, walls get built up over your career and that can be hard to break out of it. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2026 Yet engaging with the classics helps build up essential life skills, including concentration and focus. — Stephen Humphries, Christian Science Monitor, 10 July 2026

Noun

Keep the air conditioner free of moisture buildup to prevent mold and mildew from growing. — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 10 July 2026 According to Harvard Health, Menière's disease is a condition characterized by fluid buildup in the inner ear, causing damage to some of the delicate structures in the inner ear. — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for build up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up

Verb

In recent months, drone sightings in Nikopol have increased from two or three per day to about three every hour, day and night, Varytsev says.

— Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Homelessness after incarceration increases the chances that someone will end up back behind bars, at a steep cost to taxpayers.

— Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

Key strategies include acquiring certifications and completing short courses to gain specific competencies quickly.

— Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026
After gaining momentum from beating the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday and taking the first game against the Astros, the Rangers fell off and got dominated at home.

— Cal Phillips Updated July 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 July 2026

Definition of gain

Verb

Garbrandt was hurt, the follow-up shots were landing flush, and the wave-off came before real damage accumulated.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026
According to testimony from Schettino and those who knew him, obtained by Reuters, the captain had accumulated three decades at sea, including work on oil tankers and passenger cruise liners.

— Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 11 July 2026

Definition of accumulate

Verb

The Office of the State Auditor maintained that its interest in a Midland site was based on expanding geographic access to early voting, not dictating the county’s final plan.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Although revenues have expanded substantially, income needs to continue growing rapidly for Newcastle to sustain a higher salary base and regularly sign the best players.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Definition of expand

Noun

Investors should watch whether Nike’s return to sport translates into better sell-through, fewer promotions, cleaner inventory, and stronger demand in categories that matter.

— Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
The study proposes 12 strategies to strengthen the ecosystem, including expanding funding tools, improving tax incentives, supporting distribution and promotion, and recognizing the operational costs needed to build resilient production companies.

— Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 11 July 2026

Definition of promotion

Verb

Officials said the warning systems built since last year’s catastrophic floods were activated in Kerr County in the early hours before water levels began to rise, allowing for people to react quickly to flooding threats.

— Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
On linear television, the series is up +62% among adults 18-49, +26% among adults 25-54 and +30% in total viewers, with P2+ viewing across VOD platforms rising +44% within seven days of airing.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 16 July 2026

Definition of rise

Verb

Once the excitement had died down, the team gathered in a circle and a player went up to Haaland, grabbed the back of his neck and kissed his cheek.

— Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026
He was surrounded by beige pleather armchairs gathered around low tables adorned with silk flowers.

— Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Definition of gather

Verb

Engineers believe exposing robots to everyday activities such as cooking will accelerate their development for applications beyond manufacturing, including hospitality, retail, healthcare, and domestic assistance.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026
This transformation is not the product of any single administration, although recent political polarization has accelerated it.

— John Eger, Mercury News, 17 July 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of build up

verb

noun

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