1
as in increases
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 gains
to gradually increase in
the roller coaster built up momentum
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in accumulates
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 expands
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 builds up
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
—
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2025
Last night’s event was a poignant moment for the mother and son; expect to see more in the coming months as the royal calendar builds up—with both Princess Catherine and Prince George sure to look a polished pair.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2025
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
—Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver of people who drink little to no alcohol.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2025
Last night’s event was a poignant moment for the mother and son; expect to see more in the coming months as the royal calendar builds up—with both Princess Catherine and Prince George sure to look a polished pair.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2025
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
—Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver of people who drink little to no alcohol.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for builds up
Verb
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But there are several notable categories where the quality increases with cost, and one of those is noise-canceling headphones.—
Maggie Slepian,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
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Pushing frozen branches upright quickly increases the chances of breakage.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Anyone who purchases a rodeo ticket also gains same-day access to the Stock Show grounds.—
Brayden Garcia
January 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Jan. 2026
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Washington, meanwhile, gains a high-usage playmaker to elevate an offense currently ranked near the bottom of the league in guard production and efficiency, though the Wizards are not expected to pursue an immediate extension until evaluating Young's health following recent knee and quad injuries.—
Sam Crenshaw,
CBS News,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Just be sure to target the roots, which is where the oil accumulates and really starts to weigh things down.—
Adam Hurly,
Robb Report,
2 Jan. 2026
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Here, nitrate disappears entirely and hydrogen sulfide accumulates, signaling a fundamental change in how energy flows through the system.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 Dec. 2025
Verb
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This foldable tote bag packs flat, expands instantly, and can carry souvenirs, beach gear, or laundry.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
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That's how the music conveys that, expands it.—
Gerrad Hall,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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When wet clothes are placed near exterior walls—which are much colder than interior walls in the winter—moisture rises to the cold surface, creating the perfect conditions for trapping moisture and causing mold growth.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
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During this season, sap rises to the top of the tree.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Honda accelerates, colliding with two parked vehicles and a light post.—
Devon Lum,
Twin Cities,
8 Jan. 2026
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The nation’s siloed and shrinking media environment accelerates this trend.—
Brandon Rottinghaus,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While the number of retirees swells, the pool of workers funding the social safety net — and caring for the aging population — is narrowing.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
7 Jan. 2026
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There's a sort of a natural world religiousness or spirituality or philosophy that swells around a lot of things and different characters.—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Unlike generative AI, which generates content, and predictive AI, which generates forecasts, agentic AI gathers information and can act autonomously to make decisions in areas such as pricing, planning and promotions.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
8 Jan. 2026
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Tight, info dense, and short, TDS gathers the latest automotive headlines from around the world and puts them in one place.—
Joel Feder,
The Drive,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Builds up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/builds%20up. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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