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 In his first public meeting as chair, Rankin said the board needs to rebuild public trust and move the district forward. — Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2026 Originally, the plan called for the city to rebuild two smaller pools north of Interstate 435 — something residents in Cheatham and Mitrisin’s district have been pushing for both before and during the Playbook OP planning process. — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026 By sharing their journeys with such honesty and courage, Dec, Dan and Saskia revealed the reality of rebuilding a life after stroke, and the truth behind the long and unforgiving journey to reclaim the right to live an independent life. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026 The three stayed up all week rebuilding the files from old emails. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • The next challenge is to apply these controllable 3D light fields to increasingly complex systems and develop better ways of reconstructing the resulting electron motion.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • If anyone can reconstruct Apéry’s reasoning, the odd values of zeta may finally be proven irrational.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Scientists are beginning to treat gravity almost like a drug, varying its strength, duration, and frequency on the human body to learn what dose might keep astronauts healthy and whether the same stimulus could help rehabilitate patients on Earth.
    — Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Unlike the adult system, the juvenile justice system is set up to rehabilitate, not punish, based on decades of research showing that youth are more capable of change.
    — Paige Pfleger, ProPublica, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Rebound Cream is a daily leave-in solution designed to fight frizz, restore shine and add definition, with ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil and rosemary extract.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The Taurus Moon opposes Venus across your domestic and career zones, highlighting the difference between being visible and feeling restored.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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