builds up

Definition of builds upnext
present tense third-person singular of build up
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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Gently rub the stone over the stains, rinsing often as the soap scum builds up. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 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. 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
  • Red meat likely increases blood pressure due to byproducts from chemical reactions that happen in the liver and gut.
    Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Being stuck in a state of fight-or-flight increases protective muscle tension, altering movement mechanics, limiting mobility, and increasing the likelihood of compensations that can lead to pain or injury.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 14 Jan. 2026
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
  • When seating fails to accommodate natural movement, the result is often creeping fatigue, muscular tension, reduced concentration, and discomfort that accumulates gradually rather than appearing all at once.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Jan. 2026
  • This includes cleaning the glass oven door which accumulates buildup over time from splattered food.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The discussion comes as driverless robotaxi testing and deployment expands rapidly nationwide, with Austin as a major launching pad.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Cotie McMahon expands her range As her former program finds its footing without her, Cotie McMahon is showing a different part of her game than existed at Ohio State.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • At Sainte-Chapelle, the ticket rises to 22 euros for visitors from outside those countries, versus 16 euros for those within them, according to heritage officials.
    Thomas Adamson, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Marital discord rises amid the chaos of the holidays.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Adoption accelerates when employees feel ownership.
    Paul Eremenko, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026
  • That visibility accelerates learning and increases the likelihood of detection and arrest.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • While the number of retirees swells, the pool of workers funding the social safety net — and caring for the aging population — is narrowing.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 7 Jan. 2026
  • There's a sort of a natural world religiousness or spirituality or philosophy that swells around a lot of things and different characters.
    Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Priya gathers critical intelligence on shipments, the movements of key operatives such as Rahul, and the coordination handled by Suresh, Seth’s right-hand man.
    Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 14 Jan. 2026
  • The event typically gathers about 100 attendees, many with strong social media followings, who use their digital platforms to amplify it and spread the word on the relevance of tailoring today.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Builds up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/builds%20up. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

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