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
Kendall Bettle, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2025
On Monday, Kim called for a rapid nuclear buildup amid annual U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises that Pyongyang sees as a rehearsal for invasion.
—Jennifer Jett, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2025
Caroline Blair, People.com, 16 Aug. 2025
The goal is to build up five innings and 80 pitches.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buildup
Verb
Wipe the fan blades, motor, and housing with a damp cloth or vacuum attachment to remove dust and buildup.
—Kendall Bettle, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2025
On Monday, Kim called for a rapid nuclear buildup amid annual U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises that Pyongyang sees as a rehearsal for invasion.
—Jennifer Jett, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
Over 20 years after being introduced on The Biggest Loser, Michaels has built up her fitness empire.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 16 Aug. 2025
The goal is to build up five innings and 80 pitches.
—John Shipley, Twin Cities, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buildup
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buildup
Verb
-
During the month of its release, the number of articles about KPop Demon Hunters increased nearly four-fold to 1,394.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Body-image issues can increase vulnerability to mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.—
Alex Vance,
Parents,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Portugal is gaining popularity with American tourists due to its affordability, safety, and accessibility.—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
-
The popularity Nirvana gained at stupefying speed and unmanageable proportions in 1991 is impossible to replicate in the culture and music industry of 2025.—
Chris R. Morgan,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The wealth and power the nation has been able to accumulate since emanates, directly, absolutely, from two great sins.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Parikh had found the culprit: AL amyloidosis, which is caused by bone marrow disease and can result in abnormal proteins accumulating in the heart muscle.—
Theoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Currently, Ryan is expanding his expertise by working toward becoming a licensed nutritionist, adding a well-rounded dimension to his fitness programs.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
-
The stadium, set to open in 2027, is being built to expand to MLS requirements needed for a Republic FC jump from the USL to the top-tier soccer league.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
By monitoring this indicator, businesses can take preemptive measures, such as reallocating supply or adjusting promotions to temporarily reduce demand, which may mitigate the reputational or customer-dissatisfaction risks.—
Kim Bozzella,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Check out our guide to the top Xfinity deals and promotions.—
Kara McGinley,
USA Today,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Humidity was rising and winds were decreasing, but those winds may pick up Aug. 27, Cal Fire warned in the update.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.—
Mark Cooper,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Andy Buchanan | Afp | Getty Images As the U.S. vice president’s journey continued into Scotland, police were once more present — this time watching out for people who had gathered to witness Vance touch down.—
Sophie Kiderlin,
CNBC,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Driving impressions The Sportage hybrid accelerates well from a standstill.—
Mark Phelan,
Freep.com,
26 Aug. 2025
-
Smith accelerated the breathtakingly slow digitization of the auction house.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Buildup.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buildup. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share