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 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
  • Using ancestral sequence reconstruction, which reconstructs ancient proteins from modern genetic data, the team resurrected cannabinoid-producing enzymes from early cannabis ancestors.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Jan. 2026
  • As part of an ongoing excavation, this mosaic floor may be the first in a string of discoveries that will continue to shed light on this ancient city, which was carefully reconstructed after the reign of Alexander the Great.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • There’s something deeply troubling about watching a woman who has allegedly experienced abuse turn around and help abusers rehabilitate their images.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 6 Jan. 2026
  • ZooTampa, along with Florida Fish and Wildlife and the University of Florida Marine Rescue, worked to rehabilitate her.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Power has since been restored, but some services are still limited.
    Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The projects included restoring two bread ovens at a bakery destroyed by Russian warfare, and purchasing a delivery van so that bread could reach more people.
    Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on rebuild

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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