builds up

present tense third-person singular of build up
1
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

4

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, 4 July 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, 3 July 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. Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 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
  • During pregnancy, iron demand increases to support both the baby and placenta, while postpartum recovery can further lower ferritin due to blood loss.
    Tatiana Dias, Vogue, 30 June 2026
  • 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.
    Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Assign someone on your team to track which standard gains adoption and position your organization to participate early, before path dependencies lock in around you.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • These worker gains date from April settlements reached just in time to avert a strike.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Jamestown Canyon virus accumulates genetic changes 10 to 100 times more slowly per calendar year than dengue, Rift Valley fever or chikungunya.
    John Drake, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • This dust accumulates in the corners, lurks under the sofa, and rains down on your lampshades.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The tax law also expands Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in shorter-term workforce training programs.
    Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • 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.
    Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • And by the 12th year, this number rises to $113,000, exceeding the median salary for graduate degree-holders in the state, according to the data released by the UC’s Institutional Research and Academic Planning department.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • Timeline Tuesday, July 7-Thursday, July 16The last-quarter moon rises around midnight on July 7, leaving the evening sky dark and beginning July’s best stargazing window.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • America's 250th birthday is bringing on an unprecedented celebration as the nation gathers to mark the semiquincentennial of the United States.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Good morning and welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short, The Drive‘s news roundup that gathers the biggest automotive headlines from around the globe.
    Adam Ismail, The Drive, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • That’s especially important for farmers because nitrogen fertilizers serve as a key nutrient for crops that accelerates growth and enhances yields during harvest, Sumner added.
    Chase Hunter, Boston Herald, 6 July 2026
  • Chinese equipment manufacturer Zoomlion has unveiled five new-energy technology achievements spanning construction, mining, and agricultural machinery, as the company accelerates its shift toward low-emission heavy equipment.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Top officials appear as the crowd size swells Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani, a 97-year-old Shiite cleric, led the prayers at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla mosque for the late Khamenei and family members killed in the strike.
    Nasser Karimi, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • 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.
    Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Builds up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/builds%20up. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster