builds up

Definition of builds upnext
present tense third-person singular of build up
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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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. Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2026 Oil builds up, sweat happens and yesterday’s skincare products leave residue. Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 7 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 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, 22 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. Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 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
  • Accessible, affordable childcare alleviates poverty, prevents homelessness, improves employer productivity and retention, increases the tax base, supports small businesses and keeps young families in our communities.
    Susan Ellenberg, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The letter alleges that the Missouri State Tax Commission’s recent orders regarding Jackson County assessments do not discuss credits on 2023 and 2024 tax payments, or the 15% cap on commercial property value increases that LeVota has also implemented.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • If Hilton gains while Bianco's support holds steady or declines, a Democrat could overtake Bianco and acquire the second spot in the general election, strategists say.
    Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • This partnership positions all three companies to benefit if that rollout gains traction.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • On a cruise ship, the tote carries sunscreen, a change of clothes for port days, market finds, a book, and whatever else the day accumulates.
    Amanda Eyre Ward, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2026
  • First, sleep allows the brain’s glymphatic system to clean out waste, such as beta-amyloid, that accumulates during waking hours, similar to how the lymphatic system clears waste from the rest of the body, Hwang said.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Choose the path that expands your world.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
  • This amazing project significantly expands our ability to accomplish our mission, to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone, on a scale and with an impact unlike anything in our history.
    Staff report, Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Nabatieh, Lebanon, April 16, 2026.
    April 16, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Monica rises, and her cobalt raiment slithers behind her down the steps.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Investors' attention is now divided between geopolitical developments and earnings season, which accelerates on both sides of the Atlantic this week.
    Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The strategy also expands the military's long-range strike capabilities and accelerates the introduction of intergrated air and missile defense systems.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Massachusetts lawmaker is part of a growing chorus of voices in Washington calling for stronger oversight of these betting platforms as interest swells.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2026
  • His longing swells beyond love into obsession.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The military had recourse to Claude via a drop-down menu in a workflow package, the Maven Smart System, which gathers, synthesizes, and streamlines intelligence.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The victim then gathers himself and walks over to the sidewalk to get the suspect's information.
    Mamie Bah, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Builds up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/builds%20up. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.

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