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 Kansas Department of Transportation is handling improvements on the highway, while Olathe is rebuilding Santa Fe. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026 Parcells began that rebuild by purging the roster, releasing nine veterans, which included Hall of Fame linebacker Zach Thomas, all at once. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026 But Gargash has warned that trust could take decades to rebuild and said dialogue must be paired with deterrence. — Becky Anderson, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026 What affects the workflow is whether the transaction can move from customer payment into settlement and reporting without requiring the company to rebuild its ordinary financial process around each payment option. — Karen Koehler, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • Rather than looking only at the shape of a finished tool, the researchers attempted to reconstruct its entire life.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
  • After reuniting with his former squad leader and the leader’s partner, a writer who becomes consumed by reconstructing conflicting versions of their past.
    — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Plans are moving forward with another project to rehabilitate a historic building in the West Bottoms with new housing as the district continues to transform.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The financier undertook a campaign to launder his reputation, spending millions — especially donating to scientific research projects — to rehabilitate his image.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Harvard declined to go along and eventually won a lawsuit that restored the funding.
    — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Kelly set a hearing for Wednesday on the networks’ motion for a temporary restraining order to prohibit such a ban and restore their correspondents’ credentials.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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