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 Organizers say the exhibition builds on Syria’s long history as a textile hub along the ancient Silk Road and comes as the country works to recover and rebuild its economy after years of hardship. Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 16 July 2026 In October 2024, three-decade Nike veteran Elliott Hill came out of retirement to take over as CEO, aiming to focus on a strategy that would recenter the company on innovation and rebuilding trust with consumers and athletes. Ian Thomas, CNBC, 16 July 2026 This video explores recovery efforts for the white abalone, the first marine invertebrate ever listed as endangered, highlighting breeding, research and restoration programs aimed at rebuilding wild populations along the California coast. Denis Akbari, USA Today, 16 July 2026 Towns still rebuilding are hit by new floods Volunteer firefighters spent the night evacuating homes and answering frantic calls in Ingram, just up river from Hunt, said Ingram Mayor Claud Jordan. Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • Using black box recordings, passenger videos, and onboard surveillance footage, Shipwrecked reconstructs the infamous disaster.
    Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 11 July 2026
  • Stable isotope ecology has long relied on carbon and nitrogen to reconstruct the lives of marine animals.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • The sewer bond funds from Question 5 would be used to rehabilitate sewer mains, build additional green infrastructure and make upgrades to pump stations.
    Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026
  • The United States on Friday backed a new agreement between Iraq and Syria to rehabilitate an oil pipeline that would provide an alternative route for crude exports and reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz.
    Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Dib said Venezuela’s recovery requires rebuilding the rule of law, restoring judicial independence and protecting civic space.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • The hotel’s design concept weaves a story around the fictional historic Lamarck University, an homage to the French evolutionary theorist, which was supposedly founded in 1894, then abandoned in the 1940s, and ultimately restored by Marriott.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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