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.
—
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 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
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, 10 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
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 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
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 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
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, 10 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
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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for builds up
Verb
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Removing financial barriers to entering the profession broadens access and increases teacher diversity.—
Valentyna Banner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
-
The other important factor here is that autonomy increases the possible volume of military strikes.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Boosters follows up Riley’s 2018 movie, Sorry to Bother You, an absurdist black comedy starring Stanfield as a code-switching telemarketer who gains success but loses his identity.—
Jada Yuan,
Vulture,
13 Mar. 2026
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The wine shows depth on release, then gains complexity with time in the cellar, its finish lingering on the palate.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Though Vega said Vista has until June 15, 2028, to pay the 2024 taxes — interest accumulates at 12% per annum — if FNA acquires the property for unpaid taxes, the county’s tax lien is eliminated.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Neutralize Trash Can Odors Cut odors from the kitchen trash by periodically sprinkling baking soda in as waste accumulates.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Your perspective expands quickly as the nurturing Moon lights your 9th House of Exploration, inviting ideas that refresh stuck viewpoints.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Typically the planes have a crew of three, but this expands to a basic crew of five when used for medical purposes.—
Patrick Smith,
NBC news,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Creative fire rises as the nurturing Moon enters Aries and gleams within your 5th House of Creativity, encouraging bold self-expression in whichever way most pleases your heart.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
19 Mar. 2026
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If tension rises, be willing to take breaks for water or snacks.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Willis said the city should examine several scenarios, including the cost of repairing City Hall, the land’s value as redevelopment accelerates around the convention center and the broader trajectory of downtown.—
Devyani Chhetri,
Dallas Morning News,
17 Mar. 2026
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This is especially important after age 65, which is when muscle loss accelerates, Zinn says.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Unlike the sleek mansions lining much of California’s shoreline, this unassuming house has always felt like something out of a fisherman’s tale—shrouded in salt spray as swells crash against the rocks below.—
Jennifer Fernandez,
Architectural Digest,
6 Mar. 2026
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Cocoa Beach is Florida’s ultimate surf-and-sand playground with six miles of golden sand, Atlantic swells for every skill level, and rocket launches visible on the horizon.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Your curious mind gathers options quickly, but that also puts you in danger of getting distracted or taking on too much at once.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
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This year’s event gathers politicians, innovators, researchers and documentary professionals to discuss the future of the audiovisual industry, focusing specifically on the state of information, technology and shifting notions of truth.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Builds up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/builds%20up. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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