BUILDS UP Synonyms: 136 Similar and Opposite Words

builds up

verb

Definition of builds up next

present tense third-person singular of build up

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

as in gains

to gradually increase in the roller coaster built up momentum

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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 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, 18 Feb. 2026 The snowpack that builds up over the winter in the Sierra Nevada slowly melts to feed rivers and reservoirs through the spring and summer. —

Monica Garske, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026 When bleeding or swelling inside one of these compartments builds up, pressure rises and begins to squeeze the muscles, nerves and blood vessels. —

Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026 The sneckdown is the snow that builds up on parts of the street that cars don’t use, acting as a natural curb extension. —

Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2026 The water then builds up, finds its way under the shingles and any cracks, back into the attic and then through the ceiling. —

Mamie Bah, CBS News, 3 Feb. 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, 1 Feb. 2026 This incredible excitement builds up until the thing finally goes off. —

Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026 The residue left behind by liquid fabric softeners builds up over time, creating a water-repellent barrier on fibers. —

Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 20 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for builds up

Verb

While a certain amount of planning and foresight can be helpful, sometimes doing more just increases anxiety and exhaustion.

— Sherri Gordon, Parents, 18 Feb. 2026
Delaying his return also increases the Mavericks’ chances to secure the highest possible lottery position for this summer’s NBA draft.

— Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026