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. —

Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 1 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 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, 22 Mar. 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. —

Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Mar. 2026 Heavy and formidable, the percussion builds up to the unsettling climax of the character’s suicidal depression. —

Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 2 Mar. 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. —

Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 24 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for builds up

Verb

That increases strong winds high in the atmosphere, called wind shear, that can disrupt storms and stop them from forming or strengthening.

— Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026
That increases a rising air motion that tends to drop shearing winds over the Atlantic that can disrupt the structure of tropical cyclones.

— Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026