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 However, Picollo knows that rebuilding a bullpen is an arduous task. — Kansas City Star, 11 Nov. 2026 Is this a major judgement error and setback for Sullivan, Hafley and this rebuild? — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026 His ascension to minority leader represents a significant shakeup for House Republicans, who are looking to rebuild after losing more than 40 House seats. — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026 Emerging from the pandemic, American largely ignored rebuilding service at critical but high-cost hubs such as Chicago. — Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • When a physician’s clinical intent can be read in real time rather than reconstructed weeks later, relevance stops being a proxy problem and becomes a direct one.
    — Kamya Elawadhi, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The post-World War II geopolitical landscape is reconstructing itself faster than the Ginza district, which was devastated in the last film and continues to look like a battlefield.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The controversial rapper formerly known as Kanye West made real strides in his attempts to rehabilitate his career this year.
    — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Blanca Quinonez, who had missed the preseason after rehabilitating from shoulder surgery, rebounded from a subpar performance at Michigan to score 14 of her 21 points in the first half.
    — Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The strange discovery was made earlier this month at the Historic Hayes Farm in Edenton, where restoration specialist Andrew Ownbey is restoring key parts of the 194-acre farming complex.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pledged an investigation and improvements to restore trust in the system that carried some 45 million travelers last year, including millions of tourists.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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