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
  • Snow accumulates during the winter and melts gradually through the spring and early summer, feeding rivers, reservoirs and streams over several months.
    Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • The cost accumulates at a distance from the decision that created it.
    Daniel Steele, Forbes.com, 26 June 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
  • As Leanne is left to deal with the aftermath, her family gathers to support her on her journey of starting over and navigating heartbreak in her 50s.
    Tanya Fedak, Variety, 24 June 2026
  • In Joá, where the land gathers around the great presence of Pedra da Gávea—the mountain whose unmistakable form looms over Rio— before folding toward forest and sea, a level expanse of this scale feels equal parts modernist and surrealist.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Discovery process accelerates For decades, scientists have relied largely on trial and error to discover superconducting materials.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026
  • Problem-solving accelerates because feedback is immediate, silos begin to break down and team members feel empowered to contribute.
    Amee Desjourdy, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • And if out-of-towners are visiting, the ranks of the older timers swells a few more.
    Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 26 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 5 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