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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
Meier intended to use her credit to build up a nest egg after years of grad school.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2025
So, their spring has consisted of a hybrid buildup, stretching each out to start while knowing each might have to be available for short bursts as needed.
—Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
Unlike organic fertilizers that can improve soil structure and soil condition, chemical salts can build up in the soil with constant use so alternate with organic products for your soil’s health.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
Meier intended to use her credit to build up a nest egg after years of grad school.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
The sushi restaurant failed a routine inspection due to mold-like buildup and food kept at unsafe temperatures.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2025
So, their spring has consisted of a hybrid buildup, stretching each out to start while knowing each might have to be available for short bursts as needed.
—Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
-
Israel has also increased public funding for projects by Israeli filmmakers from West Bank settlements — the very enterprise that the film No Other Land criticizes as taking over Palestinian homes and land.—
Nuha Musleh,
NPR,
3 Mar. 2025
-
The proposal would increase the budget of the seven SODCs by about $28 million, or almost 5%.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Why, in a country where where economic crises abound—and were the basis of large demonstrations in 2017 and 2018, did women’s protests gain the solidarity and support of broad segments of society?—
Narges Mohammadi,
TIME,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Apple Intelligence is gaining features apace, but there’s one that was announced last June and expected in April this year—an enhanced Siri with greater personalization and the capability to do a lot more.—
David Phelan,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Its losses contracted in the first nine-months of 2024, but ABS-CBN has accumulated 37.08 billion pesos in losses since 2020.—
Ian Sayson,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
-
As on land, any monetary winnings in casinos at sea are ultimately up to chance (though points will accumulate based on their set earnings rates regardless).—
Nathan Diller,
USA TODAY,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Success in this new landscape depends on maintaining high-quality standards while effectively harnessing AI's capabilities to enhance and expand data resources.—
Deepak Yadav,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
-
Universal has expanded the number of magic locations for the wands to five new areas within Wizarding World.—
Dewayne Bevil,
Orlando Sentinel,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The promotion is only valid for qualifying orders placed in-Shack through a kiosk or for pick-up or delivery on the Shake Shack Mobile App or via shakeshack.com at participating Shake Shack locations.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA TODAY,
3 Mar. 2025
-
In the last month alone, federal funding for biomedical research was cut, meetings of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices were indefinitely postponed and Louisiana went so far as to ban the promotion of vaccines.—
Abigail Silva,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Bentley says that 210 grams of 18-karat rose gold is present throughout the Black Rose’s decadent cabin, including on the dashboard, steering wheel, and drive mode selector.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
12 Mar. 2025
-
Even with such gains, though, more stocks in the S&P 500 fell than rose.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
In a candid conversation with Variety, Shaikh opens up about working with stalwarts like Naseeruddin Shah and R. Madhavan, her love for acting and the lessons she’s gathered along the way.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
11 Mar. 2025
-
This context, along with the documentation her lawyer gathered, which included interviews with her siblings showing how her imprisonment had impacted them, was enough for a judge to grant her release from prison.—
Nathaly Triana,
CNN,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Probably the most significant factor is the company's ever-present pressure to accelerate, even while taking on more and more challenging tasks.—
Ryan Whitwam,
Ars Technica,
10 Mar. 2025
-
If Ukraine and the U.S. reach an understanding acceptable to Trump, that could accelerate his administration’s push to peace talks.—
Matthew Lee and Hanna Arhirova,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share