rebuild

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 Dawkins and his staff set to work on rebuilding the team, bringing in 11 newcomers through the transfer portal along with a couple of high school recruits. Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2025 Some station leaders have similarly described this moment as an opportunity to rebuild with more local-level support. Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2025 But Trump allies say Kemp’s recent moves have reopened old wounds and destroyed what little trust had been rebuilt since their post-2020 feud. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2025 That no longer exists today and cannot be easily or quickly rebuilt. Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • Using almost exclusively English-language sources plus interviews (including with Empress Farah, who is still living), Anderson reconstructs the bumblings that upended Iran.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Archaeologists are used to reconstructing now-invisible phenomena like climate.
    Raven Garvey, Space.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • The funding the committee advanced on Tuesday would help rehabilitate the building, including fixing the plumbing while increasing the number of beds and adding 24/7 medical staffing.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2025
  • Bondi and Burgum met with park police on the island and directed staff to collaborate on plans to rehabilitate and reopen Alcatraz, but didn’t make public remarks.
    Kate Talerico, Mercury News, 17 July 2025
Verb
  • Without a major course correction, the President will fail to keep one of his most important promises to the American public – restoring economic prosperity.
    Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • The probe was announced just days after the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies was restored, following widespread public outcry over President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s move to curb their powers.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rebuild

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!