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 The attacks knocked out 17% of Qatar's LNG export capacity, which could take up to five years to rebuild, QatarEnergy CEO Saad al-Kaabi told Reuters on Thursday. Alexander Smith, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026 The Bronx was rebuilding its identity. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 19 Mar. 2026 Had action been deferred, Iran’s rapidly increasing ballistic missile would have soon reached the point of immunity — erecting a shield of threatened destruction behind which the mullah’s nuclear program could be rebuilt. Chuck Devore, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026 The model was designed to be scalable and consistent across brands and time horizons, so that portfolio updates did not require rebuilding logic from scratch each cycle. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • At a factory in South Asia, the sustainability team spends the next two days reconstructing numbers from production logs, supplier declarations and old audit reports.
    Akhil Sivanandan, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Based on Lee’s best-selling novel of the same name, the feature reconstructs both the Joseon court and Renaissance Italy entirely through generative AI imagery.
    Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Last week, Marin Supervisors approved a development plan that will rehabilitate the old buildings into new homes that people can afford.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The largest share, $235 million, will be used to rehabilitate the Delta-Mendota Canal, which carries water to farmlands.
    Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Those of us who are worried about the morality of our fellow citizens won't restore this nation's better angels by holding on to our cynicism.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Your graceful mindset calms tension, while a tidy workspace restores focus and keeps cooperation smooth.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

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