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.
—
Nc Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 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.
—
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.
—
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
Nc Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 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.
—
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.
—
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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During pregnancy, iron demand increases to support both the baby and placenta, while postpartum recovery can further lower ferritin due to blood loss.
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Beginning a section of rules with a short explanation about the rule’s purpose makes a more positive statement to the community, and hopefully increases community compliance and cooperation.
Verb
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Your 11th House of Friends gains steady, reliable traction, and small teamwork wins start adding up steadily in visible ways.
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One of the central ideas behind UrbanKore is that art gains deeper meaning when experienced in the environment that helped shape it.
Verb
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Snow accumulates during the winter and melts gradually through the spring and early summer, feeding rivers, reservoirs and streams over several months.
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The cost accumulates at a distance from the decision that created it.
Verb
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The tax law also expands Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in shorter-term workforce training programs.
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The temporary rule expands that list to 29 specific degree programs, including master of science in nursing, doctor of nursing practice, and doctor of nurse anesthesia practice.
Verb
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And when a bond is dumped, its yield — or the interest the government must pay new investors in those same bonds — rises.
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Black smoke rises from the area of the Russian oil producer Gazprom Neft's Moscow oil refinery on the south-eastern outskirts of Moscow on June 18, 2026.
Verb
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As Leanne is left to deal with the aftermath, her family gathers to support her on her journey of starting over and navigating heartbreak in her 50s.
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In Joá, where the land gathers around the great presence of Pedra da Gávea—the mountain whose unmistakable form looms over Rio— before folding toward forest and sea, a level expanse of this scale feels equal parts modernist and surrealist.
Verb
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Discovery process accelerates For decades, scientists have relied largely on trial and error to discover superconducting materials.
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Problem-solving accelerates because feedback is immediate, silos begin to break down and team members feel empowered to contribute.
Verb
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Most people only hear about it when a lymph node swells during a cold, or when a social media video promises a gua sha stone will detox their face.
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And if out-of-towners are visiting, the ranks of the older timers swells a few more.
Cite this Entry
“Builds up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/builds%20up. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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