1
as in increasing
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 growing (in)
to gradually increase in
the roller coaster built up momentum
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in accumulating
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 expanding
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of building up
Germany has committed 100 billion euros to modernize its military, and Poland is building up its armed forces with a goal of amassing 300,000 troops.
—
Alan Cullison, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
For over 20 years, the South African artist has been one of the genre’s true workhorses, building up an intimidating discography under names like Echologist and Beat Pharmacy and applying the style’s pearlescent, pulsating aesthetic to a range of frameworks.
—Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
This corona gets all twisted up with magnetic fields, building up tension until, boom, a flare lets it all out.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Israel has long mistrusted UNIFIL, accusing it of failing to prevent Hezbollah from building up its military presence along the border in violation of ceasefire agreements going back two decades.
—Abby Sewell, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Trash Cans Emptying the trash isn't enough to prevent funky odors from building up in your home.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
In the current administration, building up ICE and the deportation regime has taken priority.
—Frank Devito, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
Sramek has claimed that building up the infrastructure of the city will provide thousands of construction jobs for the next 40 years.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026
Sweeping daily—especially in the kitchen—prevents dust, crumbs, and dirt from building up and keeps floors consistently fresh.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
Alan Cullison, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
For over 20 years, the South African artist has been one of the genre’s true workhorses, building up an intimidating discography under names like Echologist and Beat Pharmacy and applying the style’s pearlescent, pulsating aesthetic to a range of frameworks.
—Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
This corona gets all twisted up with magnetic fields, building up tension until, boom, a flare lets it all out.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Israel has long mistrusted UNIFIL, accusing it of failing to prevent Hezbollah from building up its military presence along the border in violation of ceasefire agreements going back two decades.
—Abby Sewell, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Trash Cans Emptying the trash isn't enough to prevent funky odors from building up in your home.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
In the current administration, building up ICE and the deportation regime has taken priority.
—Frank Devito, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
Sramek has claimed that building up the infrastructure of the city will provide thousands of construction jobs for the next 40 years.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026
Sweeping daily—especially in the kitchen—prevents dust, crumbs, and dirt from building up and keeps floors consistently fresh.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for building up
Verb
-
Fresh concrete is visible at both the western and eastern entrances, increasing protection that could help shield the facility from potential airstrikes, alongside trucks and other construction equipment at the site.—
Farida Elsebai,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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Coupled with large reductions to downtown trophy buildings and ever-increasing tax levies from local governments, bills that landed late last year enraged many homeowners.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The weather service has issued a winter weather advisory for northern Rhode Island, saying the region could get up to 3 inches of anow and sleet accumulations, as well as accumulating ice, according to the weather service.—
Jack Perry,
The Providence Journal,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Coastal storm, accumulating snow could impact Maryland Sunday Saturday appears to be the pick day of the weekend, ahead of what could be a wintry Sunday.—
Steven Sosna,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The galaxies will dissociate and disappear, leaving only isolated masses expanding away from one another, with no energy left to extract.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The hotel recently joined Wyndham Hotels and Resorts as part of the Trademark Collection, expanding its global reach while maintaining its independent spirit.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
For example, rising temperatures have direct harms on health by increasing risk of dehydration and causing more stress on the heart.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Now firmly established as both a premier service destination and a rising industry hub, Morocco is looking outward, fielding major delegations at platforms such as Venice Production Bridge and this year’s EFM to connect a new generation of filmmakers directly to the global market.—
Ben Croll,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
So, Horse years in general are all about independence, with women gaining it in great strides.—
Annabel Gat,
Vogue,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Other likely contenders in 2028 are gaining notoriety by holding the administration accountable in the present.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Soriot rejects the idea that his investments in China risk accelerating the disruption of the science base in the UK and Europe.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
20 Feb. 2026
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In the fourth quarter, revenues in the region were up 11 percent at constant currency, accelerating on the previous quarter, despite a challenging comparable base.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The League of Nations is struggling for legitimacy as Germany and Japan withdraw, driven by swelling imperial ambitions.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Pohlad specifically mentioned the 2023 trade deadline — the Twins were in first place by a slim margin but essentially stood pat — and the 2023 offseason when ownership slashed payroll in response to the team’s swelling debt.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Lifelong New England Patriots fan Eric Jellison never imagined that rolling up his sleeve to donate blood would send him to the Super Bowl.—
Logan Hall,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Blood donors will get some perks for rolling up their sleeves.—
Pioneer Press,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Building up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/building%20up. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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