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 What readers are saying The conversation explores a range of perspectives on the topic of rebuilding America's submarine capacity. — Morgan Bazilian, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026 But a rebuilding Mavericks team might not want Wiggins, who turns 32 in February. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026 Democrats are gaining traction in red states and increasingly rebuilding a national brand shredded after the 2024 election, but there’s more ground to regain voters’ trust. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026 Sanders rebuilt it, adding a motel, and reopened the complex as Sanders Court & Café in 1940. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 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
  • Soon model and actor Decker, who grew up in nearby Matthews, warmed at the chance to rehabilitate a proper Carolina home with details like dental crown molding and classic brick.
    — Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Yayoi Kusama’s seminal 1969 Happening Grand Orgy to Awaken the Dead at MoMA has been rehabilitated into a proud moment in the museum’s official history, but photos of the event show security pleading with the dancers to leave.
    — Nolan Kelly, Artforum, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Jennifer Shuford, who had been Texas’s health commissioner, was part of a team hired to restore confidence in the agency.
    — Dan Diamond, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Officials said the speed caps were lifted on Saturday, and the service was restored.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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