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
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 buildup
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2025
Gently scrub as much of the loose hard scale buildup off of the faucet head with water and a sponge or old toothbrush.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 21 Sep. 2025
Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Avoid using bubble wrap or plastics, as this material can allow moisture to build up quickly, causing rot or mold to develop.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buildup
Verb
Shower doors should be cleaned each week to prevent the buildup of mold, soap scum, and mineral deposits.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2025
Gently scrub as much of the loose hard scale buildup off of the faucet head with water and a sponge or old toothbrush.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 21 Sep. 2025
Noun
Von said there are elements of Hollywood fame that scare him, including a cycle where people are built up and then torn down.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Avoid using bubble wrap or plastics, as this material can allow moisture to build up quickly, causing rot or mold to develop.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buildup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buildup
Verb
-
They were presented as part of what the administration said was its commitment to identify the root causes of autism, diagnoses of which have increased in recent years.—
Jon Hamilton,
NPR,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Several studies conducted over the past decade have probed whether acetaminophen increases the risk of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.—
Dominique Mosbergen,
Time,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But the anger that left-leaning media critics felt is clearly gaining more traction with a broader swath of the Democratic Party — people who are opening their wallets and dedicating their time to consuming new and independent media.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
22 Sep. 2025
-
The Chargers ran down the clock after Herbert gained 2 yards on a sneak.—
Daniel Popper,
New York Times,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
By the end of the transfer window the club had accumulated 14 new players and seven of them started against Villa.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
22 Sep. 2025
-
Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Xi promised that within a decade, China will expand wind and solar power capacity to more than six times its 2020 level.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Sep. 2025
-
The bags contain lightweight material that absorb water and expands and can be stacked just like regular bags, as can the barriers which come in a variety of lengths.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Season one ended on a cliffhanger as Joanne was hesitant to convert to Judaism, despite Noah’s promotion to head rabbi.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Sep. 2025
-
The partnership will include large-scale viewing parties, concerts, meet-and-greets with former stars, co-branded merchandise and retail promotions.—
Luke Fountain,
CNBC,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Courtney Stodden rose to fame as a tabloid fixture and reality TV star after marrying 51-year-old actor Doug Hutchison at age 16.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Despite having full-time employment, many struggle to save enough for housing due to stagnant wages and rising expenses.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
On Thursday, attendees including Chris Briney, Teyana Taylor and Scott Eastwood, among others, turned out alongside Chanel in-house perfumer creator Olivier Polge for the rooftop gathering off of Madison Square Park, boasting views of the skyline.—
James Manso,
Footwear News,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Militaries want robots that scout ahead, gather intelligence on beaches and littoral zones, and carry supplies during complex water-to-shore moves.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This project secures funding through the Critical Design Review phase, procurement of long lead material for qualification, and will enable increased and accelerated capacity for solid rocket motor production, according to a press release.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Government initiatives have accelerated this shift.—
Li Jun,
Footwear News,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buildup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buildup. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share