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 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 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, 1 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
  • This increases your visibility to potential rescuers.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a letter that a rearview image that doesn’t display properly reduces the driver’s view behind the vehicle, which increases the risk of a crash.
    Michelle Chapman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • With just one bolster or lumbar pillow in a standout textile—such as linen or velvet, for instance—the bed gains a striking focal point.
    Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 5 Apr. 2026
  • That's why using strong antivirus software with real-time protection can help detect suspicious behavior that may emerge after an attacker gains control of a device.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • That gap accumulates, posing a threat to talent development.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • When this idea is diluted, government expands its ambition to curate the public’s consciousness.
    George F. Will, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2026
  • As artificial intelligence expands into classrooms, workplaces, and homes, a new coalition warns that risks to children and workers are growing faster than efforts to control the new technology.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The 2025 standard deduction rises to $15,750 from $14,600 for single filers, $23,625 from $21,900 for head of household filers, and $31,500 from $29,200 for married filing jointly filers.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026
  • In this moment the show all at once connects to its past, present and future — and once again rises to Heaviside heights.
    Frank Rizzo, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Strategic opportunity, legal risk Environmental groups say the risks extend beyond criminal financing to broader ecological destruction if foreign investment accelerates extraction.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
  • This will be done while continuously aligning skills, roles, and work as change accelerates.
    Nickle LaMoreaux, Fortune, 7 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 basin gathers into shallow wetlands where movement returns to the landscape.
    Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Eight football fields could fit inside its cavernous interior, where fog sometimes gathers near its 198-ft (60-m) high ceiling.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 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 10 Apr. 2026.

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