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

Some towels take longer to dry because of the material they’re made with, which can cause unwanted smells to build up faster than others. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026 Even the Chinese giants like BYD, SAIC’s MG and Chery are struggling to build up dealer networks quickly. — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Noun

The most common culprits for grout stains are spills, cleaning residue, and mold/mildew buildup. — Abid Haque, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026 Enameled steel offers more design options but is prone to mineral buildup and scorching. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for build up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up

Verb

There are also increasing concerns that the Russia-Ukraine war could escalate, amid reports that CIA chief John Ratcliffe have made a secretive Moscow trip to warn Russia against attacking NATO.

— Justina Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Friday starts dry in the Twin Cities with clouds and temperatures increasing through the afternoon.

— Joseph Dames, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

If reusable rockets mature into an operational capability and are paired with the ability to manufacture satellites at scale, China could gain a greater ability to expand or replenish its orbital infrastructure during a crisis.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
The workplace emergency savings accounts that have gained traction are separate from 401(k)s and other retirement savings plans, Copeland said.

— Lorie Konish, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of gain

Verb

Pozen leans on the step-up in basis at death, which wipes out the capital gains accumulated during an owner's lifetime, and his column is careful to say this applies to money held outside retirement accounts.

— Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
According to Baseball Reference and FanGraphs, that trio has accumulated more than half of Houston’s offensive WAR.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of accumulate

Verb

Japan’s Inpex, for example, formed a joint venture to expand its LNG investment in Australia’s Northern Territory.

— Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
While most of its stores are in mainland China, the company had 4,378 stores overseas as of end-June and has been expanding into new markets, including central Asia and the Americas.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of expand

Noun

Promotion problems in the department Kennon also alleges department decisions about assignments and promotions ultimately left her unable to compete for a captain position.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026
With steady promotions since, Rojas has always been among the youngest players in his league.

— Tim Britton, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of promotion

Verb

Analysts note that following SpaceX's record-breaking IPO last month, investor interest in commercial spaceflight and the broader space sector has risen steadily.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Alphabet’s stock is down more than 15% from its May peak, wiping out roughly $700 billion in value, as concerns rise over its mounting AI bills and failure to produce a decisive technological breakthrough.

— Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of rise

Verb

The government said Khan’s supporters had begun gathering outside the private hospital in violation of the court order, which required them to stay away from the medical facility to avoid inconveniencing other patients.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
That same day, hundreds of women gathered outside the courthouse where Clancy is standing trial, wearing bright pink, in an attempt to raise awareness around maternal mental health.

— Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of gather

Verb

However, with multiple suppliers accelerating expansion, the eventual release of new capacity has raised fears of an inflection point in chip prices, which could threaten current high margins.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
But no one has generated that feeling more than Mahomes, starting with some jaw-dropping throws in his first NFL start in the 2017 regular-season finale and accelerating with his true debut in 2018 with 10 touchdown passes in the first two games.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of accelerate

Browse Nearby Words

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 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of build up

verb

noun

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