BUILDS UP Synonyms: 136 Similar and Opposite Words

builds up

verb

Definition of builds up next

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 The sneckdown is the snow that builds up on parts of the street that cars don’t use, acting as a natural curb extension. —

Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 3 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 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, 1 Feb. 2026 This incredible excitement builds up until the thing finally goes off. —

Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026 The residue left behind by liquid fabric softeners builds up over time, creating a water-repellent barrier on fibers. —

Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 20 Jan. 2026 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for builds up

Verb

PlayStation consoles rely on a type of dynamic random access memory, or DRAM, chips, which are in short supply as demand from artificial intelligence and data center operators increases.

— Dylan Butts, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2026
However, stacking many layers increases the electrical contact resistance at their interfaces, which leads to energy losses and limits overall efficiency, as per the release.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026