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 Like tens of thousands of others, Morales is trying to rebuild his life from scratch with his wife and four children. ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 Hundreds of workers continue daily forays into Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as the company has gone full bore to rebuild the pad to support New Glenn launches before the end of the year. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026 If Americans lose trust not only in vaccines but in the institutions responsible for evaluating scientific evidence, rebuilding that trust could take generations. Krutika Kuppalli, STAT, 13 Aug. 2026 But whether climbing can help Syrians rebuild after war is an open question. Adri Salido, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • Every connected device, cloud service, AI platform, collaboration tool and third-party integration increases the number of places where sensitive information can be observed, collected or reconstructed.
    Erik Wittreich, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Ricky Pearsall is done for the season after swelling in his right knee led to needing surgery to reconstruct his PCL.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Opposition politicians claim that ousting his government is necessary to rehabilitate Israel’s reputation, and that a post-Netanyahu foreign policy won’t engage in the partisan politics of other countries.
    Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026
  • After Mao’s death, Zhu was politically rehabilitated and allowed to rejoin the party.
    CNN Staff, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The district sent an email to principals Tuesday night, obtained by the Tribune, asking school leaders to rank their most critical staffing needs in an effort to restore some positions.
    Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In terms of clubs listening to supporters, Lincoln City, newly promoted to the Championship, deserve a pat on the back for restoring a unique quirk to a matchday at what fans know as Sincil Bank.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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