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
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
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
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For many sectors, the challenge is first increasing awareness of the growing digital threat, before applying basic principles to stop many of the most common kinds of cyberattacks — then crafting solutions that could help defend these networks from more sophisticated actors on a massive scale.—
Jenna McLaughlin,
NPR,
20 Sep. 2025
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Analysts say the shift is accelerating decision-making and increasing the likelihood of military action.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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November and December are when most of the Lower 48 sees its first accumulating snow, including the Midwest, Northeast and valleys of the Mountain West.—
Matt Stiles,
CNN Money,
17 Sep. 2025
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Lee said the mechanism for nicotinamide to reduce skin cancer risk is thought to be related to its ability to improve DNA repair and slow new sun damage from accumulating.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Universities were quickly expanding, and most lacked both the operational expertise and financial flexibility needed to meet growing housing demands.—
David J. Adelman,
Fortune,
20 Sep. 2025
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The rewards offered on social media and search engine spending can help reward businesses expanding their digital footprint.—
Ryley Amond,
CNBC,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Both the governor and the secretary listed a combination of lower market prices for farm products plus rising fertilizer, machinery and labor costs as a severe squeeze on the farm economy.—
Cristina LaRue,
Arkansas Online,
16 Sep. 2025
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China’s economy showed further signs of weakness last month, with key data Monday revealing factory output and consumption rising at their weakest pace for around a year.—
Nino Paoli,
Fortune,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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What was once a rapidly accelerating movement now faces significant headwinds, with both external and internal pressures threatening to stall progress.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
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This innovative installation may hold one of the keys to accelerating a transition away from fossil fuels that scientists say is necessary if the world is to avoid the worst effects of climate change.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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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
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Or rolling up his sleeves to make rice bowls with their daughter.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Building up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/building%20up. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
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