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 Resolve brand integration questions before rebuilding websites. — James Fratzke, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 The surroundings and lighting can then be rebuilt, with the actors’ original performances retained. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 Now, under a new government, the country’s public news outlets are working to rebuild a robust, critical media watchdog. — Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026 Competes With the Top Contenders Sennheiser has rebuilt the active noise cancellation system for this generation. — Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • Individual fibers can detect curvature along a line, but reconstructing an entire surface presents a greater challenge.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Since then, the 16-foot-by-32-foot church has been reconstructed, after archaeologists in 2021 uncovered the church’s original foundation, as well as 62 graves linked to the congregation.
    — Nancy Jiang, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In her experience, the criminal justice system doesn’t do nearly enough to rehabilitate the incarcerated and address the underlying issues, often based in trauma, that lead people to commit crimes.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
  • As of Saturday, the ministry said, more than 270 wild animals in Indonesia's part of Borneo had been rescued, rehabilitated or guided to safer habitats, including 46 orangutans rescued by YIARI.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The husband-and-wife duo painstakingly restored the home and opened it as a luxury bed-and-breakfast three years later.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In the bedroom, there are deep-storage areas on top of the closet, and the oversize windows have had the original pocket shutters restored.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 12 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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