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

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Relevance

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as in gains

to gradually increase in the roller coaster built up momentum

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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

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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

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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. —

Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 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. —

Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026 Over time, grime builds up in the grooves and becomes harder to remove. —

Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2026 Spring cleaning is the perfect time to tackle the bathroom — that one room where clutter builds up fast and organization falls apart even faster. —

Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026 Over time, the negative marks from debt relief will carry less weight as your positive history builds up. —

Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026 When ice builds up, the birds can no longer maintain flight and are forced to land. —

Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026 By overlooking particle motion, these models may underestimate how quickly damage builds up inside real-world batteries. —

Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026 Vastnaut One includes motors positioned at the knees that help absorb impact as the foot lands, reducing the stress that typically builds up over long descents. —

New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for builds up

Verb

This increases your visibility to potential rescuers.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026
Brain activity also increases during a stress response, making movements which are usually automatic less so, and perhaps even slower.

— Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 3 June 2026