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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Until the state increases those reimbursement levels or offers new incentives for participation, access to care is likely to stay uneven.—
Sixteen Ramos,
AZCentral.com,
6 Nov. 2025
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However, normalizing sleep deprivation increases the risk of the signs and symptoms going unnoticed or not being taken seriously.—
Ashley Olivine,
Verywell Health,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
That's how the music conveys that, expands it.—
Gerrad Hall,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Even as this risk rises rapidly, there are still plans for launching mega constellations of tiny satellites akin to those that are already orbiting as part of SpaceX’s Starlink system, along with a newly emerging push for orbital data centers such as Nvidia’s Starcloud.—
Humberto Basilio,
Scientific American,
7 Nov. 2025
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The film is based on the true story of Joseph ‘Lupo’ Rulli (Interdonato), a legendary New Jersey boxer plagued with polio before his career peaks, who then rises as a mobster in the Bonanno Crime family, while his older brother Dennis (Stahl) becomes a decorated State Policeman in the same town.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
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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For me, the feeling of nailing a big, screen-clearing combo while the music swells to a crescendo is well worth the grind.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
4 Nov. 2025
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The loss of sea ice in the ocean next to Hektoria, believed to have been driven by ocean warmth, allowed wave swells to reach the fast ice and break it up, leaving the glacier exposed to ocean forces.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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As America gathers to watch his trial, Jax must contend with an ambitious new colleague, Bill Sterling (Sikora), and co-workers questioning her worth.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
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As America gathers to watch his trial, Jax must contend with an ambitious new colleague, Bill Sterling (Sikora), and coworkers questioning her worth.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Builds up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/builds%20up. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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