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 More capability surface means more surface area for things to go wrong—and user trust, once broken, is slow to rebuild. Hemant Kashyap, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Thousands are still without power, and roads washed away by floodwater are just starting to be rebuilt. Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 Washington Capitals Washington is trying to tread water, rebuilding on the fly after the old core has moved on. Corey Pronman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 But analysts say rebuilding the country's oil production will require significant money and time, while political uncertainty may push companies toward short-term agreements. Brittney Melton, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • Every action is logged, so a client can reconstruct what the system did.
    Jurin AI Contributor, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Crews completely shut down Line 2 to demolish the existing tunnel system and reconstruct it.
    Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • That’s why Duffy was right to focus on new and rehabilitated equipment for these Midwest corridors that can put them to immediate use and fill them with passengers.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The teen will be charged as an adult designated, meaning that if convicted, he could be sentenced as a juvenile, an adult or as a juvenile with the option of receiving an adult sentence if not rehabilitated.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Preparations are underway to replace the foundation of this streetlight so wiring repairs can be made to restore lighting.
    Elle McLogan, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Vestige currently has 25 properties in Spain in various states of being restored.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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