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 Her priorities include affordability, protecting the Chesapeake Bay and federal workers, rebuilding the Key Bridge, and supporting public schools and special education funding. — Cbs Baltimore, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026 While most residents wish to rebuild the village in a safer location, current FEMA funding only allows for restoring what was damaged. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026 Gulf states are preparing to launch a joint global tourism campaign as the region seeks to rebuild traveler confidence following months of conflict with Iran. — Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026 Thousands of European troops will take part in a military exercise in Poland this month to prepare for a hypothetical postwar mission in Ukraine to boost the country’s economy and rebuild its armed forces. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • By stringing multiple kill dates of moss samples taken from different spots, scientists reconstructed a map of an advancing ice margin.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The team reconstructed the evolutionary history of GxpS, the enzyme that produces GameXPeptides, to investigate how different peptide structures evolved.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Banchero is less than two weeks removed from suffering his high ankle sprain that typically takes four to six weeks to rehabilitate.
    — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The proposal includes funding to build and rehabilitate rental housing and preserve existing affordable units.
    — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The strange discovery was made earlier this month at the Historic Hayes Farm in Edenton, where restoration specialist Andrew Ownbey is restoring key parts of the 194-acre farming complex.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pledged an investigation and improvements to restore trust in the system that carried some 45 million travelers last year, including millions of tourists.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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