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
Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026
Coronary heart disease occurs when fatty deposits called plaque build up in the heart’s arteries, preventing them from delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
—Barbara Mantel, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026
Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026
Wipe down your shower head with a damp rag once per week to prevent buildup.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
Adding pantry sugar to vases of roses is not recommended because bacteria can build up quickly.
—Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026
Coronary heart disease occurs when fatty deposits called plaque build up in the heart’s arteries, preventing them from delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
—Barbara Mantel, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
Spray generously wherever there is soap scum buildup.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026
Wipe down your shower head with a damp rag once per week to prevent buildup.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
-
The concern is not only the surge in killings, but the increasing brazenness with which they are carried out.—
Zeena Saifi,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
-
For example, rising temperatures have direct harms on health by increasing risk of dehydration and causing more stress on the heart.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
After 40 years beachside (and gaining a casual, semi-riotous rep for all the day-drinking amid the sand and surf), the Independent Spirit Awards has shacked up at the Hollywood Palladium.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
16 Feb. 2026
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Vast intends to launch a pathfinder station called Haven-1 to LEO in 2027, then use the experience gained to build and operate the multi-module Haven-2 over the next few years.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Over 12 years of eligibility, this could accumulate to more than €1,440 ($1,700) per child, not counting the potential investment gains from compounding interest over the decade.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Currently, the odds favor areas north of the Massachusetts Turnpike for accumulating snow with mainly rain or a rain/snow mix south of the Pike.—
Terry Eliasen,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Integrating unmanned logistics The Army continues to expand its use of unmanned systems across air and ground domains.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
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However, according to a draft of its charter, its mission has since expanded to address conflicts worldwide.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts Book by March 31, 2026, to take advantage of Hilton’s Kids & Teens Stay Free promotion at select all-inclusive resorts.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
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Her armbar finishes and cage charisma singlehandedly prompted White to begin promotion of women's MMA, with Rousey at the center of his plans.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
After finishing third in the short program, Liu rose to the top of the medal podium while skating freely, ebulliently, inured to any pressure, performing with technical precision and bright artistry.—
Bora Erden,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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At some point, likely within the next two billion years, those temperatures will rise so high that our oceans will boil away; shortly after that, it’s expected that life on our planet will go completely extinct.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department told CNN the backpack is only sold at Walmart, and investigators are working with the retailer to gather more information.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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Rainwater tends to gather along the road edges.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The event saw several European leaders and policymakers reiterate the need for greater defense spending to accelerate the continent's strategic autonomy, with discussions of a common nuclear shield.—
Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
16 Feb. 2026
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Its members are pushing legislation to accelerate encampment sweeps and eliminate a longstanding local requirement that the city offer shelter to residents when forcing them to move.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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