1
as in to increase
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 to gain
to gradually increase in
the roller coaster built up momentum
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to accumulate
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 to expand
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
as in promotion
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of build up
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
may 1, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
The reason for this is because a strong energy is building up before tomorrow’s Full Moon, which can distract you or cause mix-ups in communications and transportation.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 Apr. 2026
Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 May 2026
Three people have died as a result of the infection, which can cause fluid buildup in the lungs and hemorrhagic fever, among other symptoms.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
Pink and brown slime residue build up was found inside the ice machine.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
may 1, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
The reason for this is because a strong energy is building up before tomorrow’s Full Moon, which can distract you or cause mix-ups in communications and transportation.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
Tight elastic bands, underwires and synthetic fabrics often contribute to friction and heat buildup.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 May 2026
Three people have died as a result of the infection, which can cause fluid buildup in the lungs and hemorrhagic fever, among other symptoms.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
-
The 76ers led for all but 31 seconds in the game, increasing a five-point halftime edge to 18 in the third quarter.—
Kyle Hightower,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2026
-
Her aunt plans to pressure the City Council to pass measures to increase building safety.—
Sheetal Banchariya,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
In the early nineteenth century, more than a dozen colonies in the Americas gained their freedom, including Haiti, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
As well as receiving cash to reinvest directly into their businesses, the 5 winners will gain access to Zoom mentorship, technology resources, and partnerships.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
3 May 2026
Verb
-
His videos have accumulated three hundred million views.—
Jennifer Wilson,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
GameStop’s press release said its $125-per-share offer amounts to a 46 percent premium over eBay’s closing price on February 4, the day GameStop started accumulating a stake in the company.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
The chain eventually expanded to other nameplates — Banana Republic and Old Navy — and now generates more than $15 billion in sales globally.—
Anne D'Innocenzio,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2026
-
That means expanding the Renter’s Tax Credit, protecting homeowners from rising costs and making sure renters know their rights and can access homelessness prevention services.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Rodríguez quickly climbed the Yankees’ minor league ladder in 2025, starting at High-A, forcing his way to Double-A, and earning a brief promotion to Triple-A for his last starts of the year.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
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In 2016, Albertsons paid $107 million to settle a BOGO promotion case in nearby Oregon, plus another $107 million to settle a 2023 federal court case concerning BOGO promotions in Washington.—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The crackdown—which came amid a shrinking economy, rising costs, tax increases, and Ukrainian drone strikes on the country’s energy sector—led to a rare outburst of public discontent and an equally uncommon acknowledgment of the dissatisfaction from Putin.—
Joshua Yaffa,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
-
Gas prices have surged and inflation is rising.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.—
Mark Cooper,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
Her family’s all nearby, out in the country and away from San Marcos, where Lindsey is surrounded by dark skies, and has space for gardens, fires to gather around and animals to rescue.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Even accelerating a college degree to three years from four, can save students $100,000 dollars or more at many schools.—
Matthew G. Andersson,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
-
Conventional intuition suggests that the most efficient way to accelerate a chemical reaction is to give reactants unhindered access to a highly active catalyst.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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