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 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 Heavy and formidable, the percussion builds up to the unsettling climax of the character’s suicidal depression. — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 2 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for builds up

Verb

Though present, they are not enabled by default and require overriding hidden FeatureFlags, which increases user risk.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Thus the image is both cropped at the top and bottom and blown up in a way that increases the grain and softness.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 21 July 2026

Definition of increases

Verb

If one college can play an athlete whose NCAA eligibility has already expired, but another can’t play an athlete with expired eligibility, the first gains an unfair advantage.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 July 2026
When one joint account holder dies, the surviving owner typically gains full access to the funds, though the specific rules vary by institution and jurisdiction, the CFPB explains.

— Ashley Lynch July 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026

Definition of gains

Verb

So perhaps a certain signaling molecule preferentially accumulates more on one side of a neural progenitor cell than the other.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 13 July 2026
Confidence in findings develops over time as evidence accumulates and results are weighed alongside all available research.

— Dannell D. Boatman, The Conversation, 8 July 2026

Definition of accumulates

Verb

As artificial intelligence expands across K-12 schools, Massachusetts announced a new $500,000 public-private investment in AI applied learning opportunities for hundreds of students, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced Tuesday.

— Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 22 July 2026
The Iranian military fired six missiles on Jordan today, according to the Jordan Armed Forces, as the regional conflict expands.

— Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Definition of expands

Verb

Helmut Haller, West Germany vs England, 1966 Ray Wilson misjudges his headed clearance, Haller gathers it on the edge of the box and, just before Bobby Moore can close him down, slaps a right-footed shot into the far corner.

— Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026
When her best friend’s family suddenly flees under suspicious circumstances, taking her away with them, 10-year-old Lucía gathers her gang to launch a plan inspired by their favorite superheroes.

— Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 July 2026

Definition of gathers

Verb

In her eighth novel, Davidson wraps a family drama with workplace intrigue in a plot that starts on a high note, then accelerates from there.

— Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026
The new capital will help accelerates the development, sampling, testing and validation of the quantum pigment technology across real-world materials and product applications.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 20 July 2026