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, 16 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.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 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, 9 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.
—Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 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
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 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.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 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, 9 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.
—Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for builds up
Verb
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Researchers think that making art also increases neuroplasticity (the ability to form new connections).—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
17 June 2026
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That increases the risk that individuals’ personal data could be exposed, misused or commercialized without their consent.—
Sharon Lerner,
ProPublica,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
Atlas gains intelligence Boston Dynamics is making rapid progress toward commercializing humanoid robots, with its Atlas platform approaching the level of autonomy required for industrial deployment, according to a new report from KB Securities.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
15 June 2026
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But while the call for tax reform gains momentum yearly among rank-and-file lawmakers, the major proposals cannot get past Lamont, who is focused paying down Connecticut’s massive pension debt.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
15 June 2026
Verb
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Plastic accumulates in our oceans and on our beaches, killing seabirds, sea turtles and other marine mammals.—
Kelley Dennings,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 June 2026
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But as an artist accumulates experiences, the attentive listener starts to carry that baggage with them, particularly as artists spend more and more time selling the self than the art.—
Sheldon Pearce,
NPR,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
The gas in your stomach expands as the pressure drops, leaving you bloated.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
12 June 2026
-
Broader sonobuoy push The Scottish trial arrives as Ultra Maritime expands its sonobuoy business through production contracts and international partnerships.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Historic elements of the former hotel remain today, including a grand piano and white stone, spiral staircase that rises up to the second-floor banquet rooms.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 June 2026
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The Love Goddess Venus rises in your 10th House of Career and Status, standing opposite cosmic detective Pluto in your 4th House of Home, so public goals confront private truths that need recognition.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2026
Verb
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Taking place on the Summer Solstice at the Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, the event gathers dozens of the world’s preeminent experimental musicians to perform in a stunning columbarium designed by Julia Morgan.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
17 June 2026
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Hegel redefined the dialectic as a process of assertion, negation, and synthesis that gathers force through history.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Verb
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Rapid volumetric heating accelerates dye diffusion and allows for deeper penetration of the prickly pear peel pigment molecules (betalain) into the wool fiber interior swollen by the heat.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Footwear News,
17 June 2026
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Alibaba’s move comes as competition in physical AI accelerates globally.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
17 June 2026
Verb
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On Tuesday, elevated surf conditions were reported in Laguna Beach, which can get swells up to 9 feet.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
11 June 2026
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Summer has already kicked off with beefy surf up and down the coastline, with moderate southern hemisphere swells bringing waves in the 3-to 5-foot range at many spots the past week.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Builds up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/builds%20up. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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