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 Heavy and formidable, the percussion builds up to the unsettling climax of the character’s suicidal depression. —

Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 2 Mar. 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, 24 Feb. 2026 The snowpack that builds up over the winter in the Sierra Nevada slowly melts to feed rivers and reservoirs through the spring and summer. —

Monica Garske, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026 When bleeding or swelling inside one of these compartments builds up, pressure rises and begins to squeeze the muscles, nerves and blood vessels. —

Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for builds up

Verb

With their songs, colors, and variety, birds enrich our lives … and recent studies show that their immediate presence actually increases our well-being and happiness and can even prolong our lives!

— Seth Borenstein, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
This increases your sensitivity to dietary cholesterol, which is found in eggs.

— Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 4 Mar. 2026