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.
—
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.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 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
For concrete or tile, a mild cleaner helps cut through the thin film of pollen and grime that builds up over time.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 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
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.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 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
For concrete or tile, a mild cleaner helps cut through the thin film of pollen and grime that builds up over time.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for builds up
Verb
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That ability moves towards leveling the playing field between businesses of different sizes, increases efficiency for all firms, and super charges competition to the benefit of consumers.—
Jessica Melugin,
Mercury News,
10 June 2026
-
However, higher tick and pest activity during warmer weather increases your dog or cat’s risk of contact.—
Amy DeYoung,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Cobolli automatically gains a spot in Sunday’s final against second-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany, who defeated Jakub Menšík of the Czech Republic earlier on Friday.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
-
Lukashenko gains bargaining power, and the West’s common position becomes harder to sustain.—
Tatsiana Kulakevich,
The Conversation,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
And because sediment accumulates so slowly at these depths, the fossils have remained exposed for thousands or even millions of years.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
10 June 2026
-
Hoeger recommends using discs over cups for women with in-uterine devices (IUDS), as the cups rely on suction to stay in place and may displace the IUD, versus flat discs which are more flexible and expand as menstrual blood accumulates.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
The film expands Haig’s play and includes additional characters and sequences, including the actual D-day invasion.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
-
And yet as the series expands from and twists around its simple horror concept (a wedding at the groom-to-be’s family house in the woods is fated for a titular dark catastrophe), Morrone’s performance as Rachel is able to shoulder the weight of quite a bit of backstory and a complicated endgame.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
The arch spans 78 feet and rises 65 feet high, drawing hikers eager to experience one of the region’s most striking landmarks.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
-
The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Young people know where the pressure gathers.—
Adam Howard,
Time,
10 June 2026
-
Yet, still, Kansas City knows what can happen when a massive group gathers.—
Laura Bauer
June 8,
Kansas City Star,
8 June 2026
Verb
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Be sure to stop by the inhalation salt chamber that accelerates skin cell rejuvenation, reduces stress, and promotes better sleep.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 June 2026
-
AlphaFold considerably accelerates that process.—
Jessica Melugin,
Mercury News,
10 June 2026
Verb
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Summer has already kicked off with beefy surf up and down the coastline, with moderate southern hemisphere swells bringing waves in the 3-to 5-foot range at many spots the past week.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
7 June 2026
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The beach town swells with visitors in the summer, though surfers flock here any time of year for the classic surf break Plage de Lafitenia and big waves surf spot Belharra.—
Anne Olivia Bauso,
Travel + Leisure,
21 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Builds up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/builds%20up. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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