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
  • Rather than a standard carpet setup, the production team asked us to reconstruct a character's bedroom on the carpet.
    Craig Waldman, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
  • By working from the deepest, oldest parts of the core samples to the ground surface, the geomorphologists could reconstruct a sequence of flooding and sediment deposition over thousands of years.
    Geoff Emberling, The Conversation, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Once the dust settles, both Lively and Baldoni will be tasked with rehabilitating their reputations, and attention will inevitably turn to the next high-profile celebrity case.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 16 May 2026
  • These experts also help recover and rehabilitate a brand after the event.
    John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • This was the era of decolonization, when nation-states delivered one-third of humanity from the humiliation of imperial rule, restoring political autonomy and dignity where they had long been removed.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • Real change begins when communities insist on solutions that restore dignity, stability, and hope rather than pushing people out of sight.
    Shianne LeClaire, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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