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 build up
Anne Kadet, Curbed, 29 May 2026
That disorder causes iron to build up in vital organs, leading to liver disease, lowered immunity and other complications, officials said.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 28 May 2026
Andy Browne, semafor.com, 2 June 2026
Lemon Juice Method Like other acidic ingredients, lemon juice can help tackle mineral buildup and refresh the toilet bowl with a clean, citrus scent.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
While the petition is just the latest in an ongoing crusade to tame the streets, tension in the neighborhood is building up, and for good reason.
—Anne Kadet, Curbed, 29 May 2026
That disorder causes iron to build up in vital organs, leading to liver disease, lowered immunity and other complications, officials said.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 28 May 2026
Noun
If anything, smaller nations see China’s military buildup — the largest by any country in peacetime — as the threat to regional security, not Japan’s.
—Andy Browne, semafor.com, 2 June 2026
Lemon Juice Method Like other acidic ingredients, lemon juice can help tackle mineral buildup and refresh the toilet bowl with a clean, citrus scent.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
-
Since then, the damage has increased at an alarming rate, and many residents fear the end is near for the 53-year-old structure.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
7 June 2026
-
The recent strikes have increased the strain on the fragile truce between Washington and Tehran.—
Dalia Abdelwahab,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
Join today to gain access to our latest series ‘Fashion’s Real Reset Starts Now’.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
7 June 2026
-
In that election, Republicans gained support from some Black male voters in battleground states.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
Armed with Hellfire missiles, rockets, and a 30 mm chain gun, the Apache has accumulated millions of flight hours across conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Syria.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
8 June 2026
-
Her sentences are somewhat flat in tone, but the excitement comes from the acuity in her observations, which accumulate over pages to assemble a full, clear picture.—
Zinzi Clemmons,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Publix is set to open five new stores by early July, expanding its footprint in Florida and Kentucky as the grocery chain continues steady growth across the Southeast.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
-
As part of the deal announced Monday, Amazon will work with Corning on a new program to expand a fiber-optic technician training program at Catawba Valley Community College based in Hickory.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
With only 12 months left on his contract, and the fact that Middlesbrough missed out on promotion to the top flight, he is expected to leave the Riverside Stadium and should represent good value for money for buying clubs.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
-
His intervention seems to violate rules that govern the Navy's promotion system.—
Emma Hinchliffe,
Fortune,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Supply disruptions have also hit hard in Europe and Africa, where countries are responding to rising fuel costs and a considerable threat to food security.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
5 June 2026
-
Airlines have faced rising fuel costs as the conflict in Iran has disrupted global oil supplies and increased energy prices.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
The intelligence-gathering site became another means by which Israel could collect information on Iranian military movements and facilities, as well as potentially providing early warning of missile launches.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
-
Team projects and daily systems ask for tweaks as information-gathering Mercury engages your 11th House of Friends, while intense Pluto focuses your 6th House of Work.—
PubSubHub User,
Baltimore Sun,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Hufanga, who faced the Hill-Waddle tandem firsthand while playing for San Francisco back then, noted the duo’s ability to accelerate and decelerate to disguise in-breaking routes as deep routes and vice versa.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
7 June 2026
-
The kingdom is also accelerating spending on defense — which has taken on an even greater importance because of the war with Iran — and investments tied to artificial intelligence, logistics, and infrastructure needed for Expo 2030 and the 2034 men’s soccer World Cup.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
