rebuild

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 There are the individual challenges: Struggling with the death of loved ones, determining whether to rebuild, and assessing the financial losses. Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025 The State Transportation Commission approved her request for $3.5 billion in bonds to rebuild state highways and bridges. Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 10 July 2025 After the intermediate schools opened, the original school building shut down and sat largely vacant until it was rebuilt into the apartment building. Liliana Fannin, jsonline.com, 10 July 2025 Not wanting a repeat, when the tavern was rebuilt in 1896, the village formed a fire department. Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • After Tim reconstructs the code for the nanotech wall’s opening sequence, and despite a violent confrontation with Yuri, Tim and Olivia activate the code to create a breach.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • Thanks to the vision of Michael and Chris Keiser, the Lido has been meticulously reconstructed on sandy terrain adjacent to Sand Valley.
    Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • More to come: Findlay Flats and Grant Park Nearly a dozen historic buildings across Vine and Elder Streets near the new community center will be rehabilitated into 45 mixed-income apartments.
    Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
  • The chances of Combs’ image itself being significantly rehabilitated seems slim, given that violent, abusive behavior was caught on camera and aired to millions of people around the world.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Industry trade groups are lobbying Congress to reverse the Trump administration's proposal and restore the Office of Space Commerce's (OSC's) budget to this year's level of $65 million.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2025
  • Putin dreams of not only restoring the Russian empire but also becoming the master power of Europe.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rebuild

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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