builds up

present tense third-person singular of build up
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2
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

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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 Eventually that carbon will begin to fuse into neon, then the neon will fuse into magnesium, and so on up the periodic table until iron builds up in the core. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 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, 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for builds up
Verb
  • This lowers the cost of the trade and increases the position's theoretical probability of profit to ~56%.
    — Julia Spina, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
  • That means people who get vaccinated in September or October should generally have protection in place as flu activity increases later in the fall and winter.
    — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The biggest issue on the ballot in November is for voters to decide what profit is there if one gains the whole world and our country loses its soul.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Productivity gains only matter if the work AI produces is good enough to move the business forward.
    — Samir Dutta, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Aging occurs not merely because damage accumulates but because these protective systems themselves become less effective over time.
    — Venki Ramakrishnan, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026
  • That's why starting this season, a one-game suspension will be given to any player who accumulates penalties from three specific moves — hip drop tackle, horse collar tackle, launching, hit on a defenseless player, and a blindside block.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Debrecen plant adds another major manufacturing location as CATL expands its production footprint closer to European vehicle manufacturers.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Whether Wild’s Target shelf presence expands beyond its initial nationwide rollout into additional SKUs or premium placement.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Smoke rises from the area of the Russian oil producer Gazprom Neft's Moscow oil refinery as seen from Dzerzhinsky in the Moscow region on September 20, 2026.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The upper floor has roughly 11-foot ceilings, while the main level rises to about 14 feet, according to the listing information.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In a kind of treasure hunt, Crouch gathers all the acorns on private lands.
    — Jessie Schiewe, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Our home visiting program regularly gathers to share a meal, engage in a developmental activity and create a community for families.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • That's changed as the company accelerates development of its Vectis CCA by adding four more prototypes to the fleet.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Store sourdough in a cool, dry place (60–70°F) and avoid refrigeration, which accelerates staling.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The space suddenly swells with agents, assistants, clients and others shuffling through for lunch.
    — Oren Peleg, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The impact jostled loose a few petals before the circle of blossoms slowly drifted away on the luminescent blue Bermudian swells.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 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 25 Sep. 2026.

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