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 Europe ran the corresponding deficits, as many countries borrowed heavily abroad to rebuild economies devastated by war. Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026 The funds are slated to be channeled through Shakira’s Fundación Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Foundation), and will go toward rebuilding schools and getting children back into classrooms. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026 While Bangley remains vigilant should violent strangers steal their land and resources, Hig is an altruist who’s eager to rebuild society. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Architect Michael Hsu’s team built and rebuilt the design feature. Alexis Benveniste, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • Researchers reconstructed the exact three-dimensional architecture of the graphite particles, binder, and electrolyte pores.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
  • And a decoder that read out the population activity could reconstruct where the mouse was just as accurately as before.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Dickson himself concedes there is still much work to be done to fully rehabilitate the Gap, as well as its sister brands.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Naples Zoo teams worked to rehabilitate her through nutrition, medical treatment and constant monitoring.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Iran and Oman, meanwhile, have agreed on a temporary maritime corridor intended to restore safer passage through the strait.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The restoration was completed by Maldoror’s daughter, Annouchka de Andrade, who, over almost the last decade, has slowly tracked down, collected, and restored dozens of her mother’s film works.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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