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 Companies are increasingly stepping in to help rebuild the talent pipeline themselves. Preston Fore, Fortune, 14 May 2026 This is the opposite of rebuilding authentic relationships, tolerating discomfort, and learning to rely on other people whom patients in recovery actually need. Steve D. Klein, STAT, 14 May 2026 His budget proposal also includes a $100 million fund to provide low-interest loans for people rebuilding after wildfires when home insurance falls short. Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026 As the Miami Dolphins rebuild, the NFL is taking a pause in putting them on the prime-time national stage. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • Artifacts dating to the Paleolithic era fill the Domenico Ridola Archeological Museum, while the Museum-Workshop of the Peasant Culture reconstructs a cave house, public wine cellar, and blacksmith, cobbler and cabinetmaker studios.
    Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 13 May 2026
  • On May 11, Kerrie's sister, Heidi Gustavson, announced that the mom of three finally underwent surgery to reconstruct a piece of her skull with a custom ceramic piece, given that the original part of her skull could not be reattached.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • They’re still needed long after a kid is out of diapers, done with school, out of the house, employed, married, unmarried, unemployed, reemployed, remarried, rehabilitated, whatever.
    Andre Mouchard, Daily News, 9 May 2026
  • The 6-foot pipe, which transports 10 million gallons of wastewater a day, is nearing the end of its life and needs to be rehabilitated and eventually replaced, OC San officials said.
    Claire Wang, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • Clear agreements made today can strengthen trust, restore balance, and create momentum where things had felt stalled.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 May 2026
  • Blackwood made the initial stop, but Faber was there at the edge of the crease and the puck went off the Minnesota defenseman’s body and into the net to restore the three-goal advantage.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 10 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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