Synonyms of make up

make up 1 of 2

verb

1

as in to comprise

to be all the substance of

the book is made up of 20 chapters

Synonyms & Similar Words

• comprise
• compose
• constitute
• form
• flesh (out)
• fill (out)
• integrate
• supplement
• incorporate
• embody
• complement
• incarnate
• personify
• complete
• materialize
• substantiate
• epitomize

2

as in to devise

to create or think of by clever use of the imagination

she keeps making up excuses as to why she hasn't yet finished the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

• devise
• concoct
• construct
• invent
• come up with
• think (up)
• design
• drum up
• cook (up)
• manufacture
• trump up
• produce
• vamp (up)
• hatch
• contrive
• excogitate
• fabricate
• imagine
• conceive
• dream
• envision
• coin
• visualize
• vision
• fantasize
• envisage
• daydream
• improvise
• picture
• extemporize
• ad-lib

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reproduce
• imitate
• copy
• duplicate
• mimic
• replicate
• clone
• reduplicate
• copycat

3

as in to build

to form by putting together parts or materials

we'll have to make up the bookcase, which came in a box marked "some assembly required"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• build
• construct
• assemble
• make
• create
• found
• set up
• erect
• put together
• put up
• establish
• fabricate
• piece
• design
• manufacture
• rear
• produce
• raise
• confect
• generate
• shape
• organize
• rebuild
• carpenter
• begin
• fashion
• think (up)
• mold
• imagine
• forge
• invent
• originate
• institute
• innovate
• initiate
• frame
• reedify
• concoct
• hammer
• inaugurate
• devise
• coin
• cook (up)
• constitute
• throw up
• father
• rig (up)
• reconstruct
• prefabricate
• conceive
• handcraft
• retrofit
• reassemble
• combine
• contrive
• jerry-build
• unite
• redevelop

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• take down
• tear down
• strike
• knock down
• destroy
• pull down
• dismantle
• ruin
• disassemble
• dismember
• flatten
• smash
• level
• demolish
• wreck
• pulverize
• blow up
• shatter
• devastate
• explode
• raze
• ruinate
• demount
• detach
• disengage
• divide
• separate
• disconnect
• disjoin
• disunite

makeup

2 of 2

noun

ˈmāk-ˌəp 

1

as in paint

preparations intended to beautify the face

she never left the house without applying her makeup and arranging her jewelry

Synonyms & Similar Words

• paint
• cosmetics
• lipstick
• mascara
• war paint
• maquillage
• oil
• cream
• powder
• camouflage
• greasepaint
• lotion
• camo
• rouge
• kohl
• eye shadow
• cold cream
• vanishing cream

2

as in design

the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged

the makeup of the memorial is strikingly simple: a single massive globe signifying world unity

Synonyms & Similar Words

• design
• layout
• composition
• format
• theme
• pattern
• arrangement
• motif
• configuration
• getup
• form
• constellation
• ordonnance

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of make up

Verb

Has been so special to watch the trio trade The Arconia for Big Tesco (may or may not have made up that plot point). — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

His district hasn’t yet decided how to make up the lost days, Sanders said. — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Noun

Treat Stains Before Washing Towels can accumulate oil and makeup stains, so make sure to treat stains prior to washing. — Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026

Keep reading for more cleansing balms that melt away makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and grime. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026