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
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 building up
During the speech, however, Kemp periodically deviated from building up Astra to hurling insults at several of his competitors in the launch industry.
—
Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025
And OpenAI has been building up its own sales function.
—Jordan Novet, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
Carpenter has been steadily building up to pulling double duty on the show for more than a year.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2025
Both teams are 1-0 and building up playoff aspirations, and the latest Parsons-Daniels matchup is must-see stuff.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
The same concern emerges in places like Haiti and Ecuador, as foreign mercenaries and drones are being drafted in at the expense of building up the local armed forces and the national police.
—Alia Brahimi, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Unlike traditional top-down mentoring that focuses on building up younger employees, reciprocal models enable experienced employees to stay relevant in a changing world.
—Britton Bloch, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025
And OpenAI has been building up its own sales function.
—Jordan Novet, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
Carpenter has been steadily building up to pulling double duty on the show for more than a year.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2025
Both teams are 1-0 and building up playoff aspirations, and the latest Parsons-Daniels matchup is must-see stuff.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
The same concern emerges in places like Haiti and Ecuador, as foreign mercenaries and drones are being drafted in at the expense of building up the local armed forces and the national police.
—Alia Brahimi, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Unlike traditional top-down mentoring that focuses on building up younger employees, reciprocal models enable experienced employees to stay relevant in a changing world.
—Britton Bloch, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for building up
Verb
-
Then there are additional fines for selling alcohol illegally to underage individuals, with increasing amounts, based on the number of offenses.—
Sophie Carson,
jsonline.com,
27 Sep. 2025
-
An increasing threat of heavy rainfall from this system is forecast over the southern Mid-Atlantic through coastal Georgia which could cause flash, urban, and river flooding into next week.—
MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT,
Miami Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The seventh selection from the 2019 draft was supposed to be a literal centrepiece for a Sabres team that spent years accumulating talent through the draft, having drafted Rasmus Dahlin first in 2018 and still having top picks Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart on their roster.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
-
If many trees surround your pond, consider buying a domed net that goes over the water to keep leaves from accumulating on the surface.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Advocates say governments can enhance housing affordability by expanding housing vouchers and enacting stronger tenant protections.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Moving away from YouTube, Yang has his sights set on expanding his talents as a writer, director and storyteller.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Despite these rising prices, American shoppers have continued to show their preference for burgers and steaks — until now.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
22 Sep. 2025
-
Colorado state government faces a continuing dim fiscal picture heading into next year as a slowing economy, rising costs and the rollout of tariffs weigh on forecasters, according to projections released Monday.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
22 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
-
Backup running back Anthony Carrie had the best game of his career, gaining 73 yards on six carries.—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Climate scientist Johan Rockström, speaking at a science briefing that opened the summit, warned that warming appears to be accelerating.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Sep. 2025
-
This wave of recognitions will likely increase anti-Israel sentiment globally, accelerating divestments and boycotts.—
SHIRA EFRON,
Foreign Affairs,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
By the time red flags like fatigue, jaundice, swelling or easy bruising appear, the damage may already be done, the doctor warned.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
21 Sep. 2025
-
Nooncrazy Airplane Foot Hammock On sale for $14, this adjustable foot hammock hangs onto your tray table to provide an elevated swing for your feet, helping to reduce swelling and keep your toes from feeling cramped underneath the seat in front of you.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Exceptional leaders are made by rolling up their sleeves to care for their colleagues as well as stakeholders.—
Vicki Salemi,
Boston Herald,
22 Sep. 2025
-
There was some confusion about whether the recommendation approved Friday sought to require those seeking COVID vaccination to have conversations with medical professionals about the risks and benefits involved before rolling up their sleeves.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Building up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/building%20up. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share