rebuild

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rebuild contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rebuild are mend, patch, and repair. While all these words mean "to put into good order something that is injured, damaged, or defective," rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing.

a rebuilt automobile engine

When would mend be a good substitute for rebuild?

The synonyms mend and rebuild are sometimes interchangeable, but mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured.

mended the torn dress

Where would patch be a reasonable alternative to rebuild?

The meanings of patch and rebuild largely overlap; however, patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material.

patch worn jeans

When could repair be used to replace rebuild?

In some situations, the words repair and rebuild are roughly equivalent. However, repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation.

repaired the back steps

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 rebuild Policymakers should view this moment less as a risk and more as an opportunity to rebuild capacity. Neel Somani, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025 After World War II, the historic decision by the US to reinvigorate the economies shattered by decades of war through the Marshall Plan helped rebuild the continent and forge enduring alliances. Jon Medved, semafor.com, 7 Nov. 2025 American Royal officials rebuilt the arena in time for the annual livestock show that October. Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025 Now, however, she was focused on rebuilding her freelance marketing business. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • At Dia, the cage has been reconstructed in full, complete with Hsieh’s boots and his tally marks gouged into the wall.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025
  • It was later taken over by the emperors of the Qing Dynasty, who restored and reconstructed many parts.
    Fred He, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Iasiello, a licensed real estate broker, exhaustively and cheerfully documents his work buying, rehabilitating and flipping these homes, providing daily video diaries of the work and line item breakdowns of the entire cost — and profit — associated with some of his projects.
    Karen Wang, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Laura made the decision to help rehabilitate her mother, and the duo began going on walks near the beach in Los Angeles.
    Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • By mid-2025, the two countries had opened discussions on defense and free trade, and Bangladesh joined China and Pakistan for a trilateral summit in June after restoring diplomatic ties with the latter.
    MUHIB RAHMAN, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2025
  • With the transit system running a deficit, the County Board did not specifically restore any of those routes during its deliberations over County Executive David Crowley's budget.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 11 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rebuild

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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