rebuild

Definition of rebuildnext

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 Still, research like this hints at where oral health could be headed, moving away from simply protecting or replacing damaged tissue and toward materials designed to help rebuild tooth enamel instead. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026 Developer Shawn Kennedy of Kennedy Properties & Development, in partnership with Crosland Southeast, is rebuilding the site in homage to the old club. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026 And a growing share from both major political parties state that the economy needs to be fundamentally rebuilt to address this. — Markus Schneider, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026 That limit is pushing scientists to look beyond simply adding minerals back and toward ways of rebuilding enamel’s actual structure. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • If your team can’t reconstruct what the agent saw and did in March, the auditor can’t either.
    — Jacqueline DeStefano-Tangorra, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • From these fragments of intelligence, scientists reconstructed journeys that took place largely beyond their view.
    — Amy L. Scarpignato, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Too dependent on one style Nike bought Converse for $305 million in 2003, seeing enormous potential to rehabilitate an iconic brand.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The Scarritt Renaissance Neighborhood Association has looked to secure funding to rehabilitate the buildings but work remains ongoing.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Full service was being restored at the end of last week, but Zelenskyy said Monday that the restrictions are still slowing Ukraine's drones along the front.
    — SAMYA KULLAB, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Since then, Netanyahu has been criticized by opponents for failing to deliver on his promise of restoring regional security.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 19 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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