BUILDS UP Synonyms: 136 Similar and Opposite Words

builds up

verb

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 Eventually that carbon will begin to fuse into neon, then the neon will fuse into magnesium, and so on up the periodic table until iron builds up in the core. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 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, 15 July 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 When ice builds up, the birds can no longer maintain flight and are forced to land. — Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 6 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 The residue left behind by liquid fabric softeners builds up over time, creating a water-repellent barrier on fibers. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for builds up

Verb

Why wouldn’t the players want a system that pays them a larger share of the overall revenue, increases their salary minimums and gives them earlier access to arbitration eligibility and free agency?

— Jim Bowden, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Even people who carry the APOE4 gene, which increases the risk of later-in-life Alzheimer’s, still benefited from a healthier middle age.

— Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of increases

Verb

SiriusXM also gains distribution rights, with the show to be distributed on the SiriusXM Podcast Network, as well as on YouTube, and everywhere podcasts are available.

— Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
Matching the offer to the bettor A cautious bettor testing the waters gains more from DraftKings or bet365, since both pay out regardless of whether the first bet wins.

— Ascend Agency, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of gains

Verb

That's why starting this season, a one-game suspension will be given to any player who accumulates penalties from three specific moves — hip drop tackle, horse collar tackle, launching, hit on a defenseless player, and a blindside block.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026
This contaminant accumulates in larger fish that eat smaller fish.

— Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of accumulates

Verb

For families This is a house that suits a family takeover—a multi-generational group, including young children, with the main event the evening meal, when everyone gathers around the long table, in front of a roaring fire.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
First, the software gathers raw diagnostic readings from the reactor, including temperature, density, and magnetic data.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of gathers

Verb

As close cycles compress and reporting accelerates, finance professionals can spend less time on reconciliation and number crunching and more time on analysis and business partnership.

— Hemant Kapadia, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
As the aircraft accelerates and the conditions become suitable for ramjet operation, airflow can be redirected so that the ramjet becomes the primary source of propulsion.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of accelerates

Verb

Although no coastal watches or warnings were in effect, swells generated by Marie will continue to affect portions of southwest Mexico, the Baja California peninsula and Southern California for the next few days, the hurricane center said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Sep. 2026
But swells from the south could reach the Central Coast and Bay Area.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026