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 When in-home childcare providers said licensing was too slow and too expensive, staff closest to the process worked with providers and community groups to rebuild it, reducing approval times by 60 days and fees by roughly $230. William Cogswell, Time, 24 July 2026 The audio was rebuilt from the original three-track 35mm pre-mix reels, restoring clarity and dynamic range long lost in previous versions. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 24 July 2026 Since then, the administration has demonstrated its willingness to implement a variety of those laws to rebuild the president's tariff regime. Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 24 July 2026 Time will tell whether the taxpayer and international backlash grow as the president races to rebuild his tariff wall ahead of November’s midterm elections. Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • Dubai has been working hard to reconstruct its tourism brand since Iran launched strikes across the Middle East earlier this year, with ballistic missile and drone attacks targeting the destination.
    Tamara Hardingham-Gill, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • In a 10-minute appointment, a woman is asked to reconstruct months of symptoms from memory.
    Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • The tax housing credits are administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, and according to Abbott’s office will help rehabilitate over 4,400 affordable housing rental units.
    Mary Ella Hastings July 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026
  • Over the course of the project, crews will work to rehabilitate or replace 12 interchanges and 26 bridges.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • But city efforts to restore its lost vim and vigor have fallen flat.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • The marker has since been vandalized and was taken down to be restored, making the James Baldwin quote at the sign’s base all the more pertinent.
    Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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