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 Both were solid additions and key to rebuilding this defense, but there’s still work to do. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026 Venezuela owes international bondholders, oil companies and others as much as $170 billion — one reason why US firms have been reluctant to help rebuild the country’s infrastructure. Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 14 Jan. 2026 The nonprofit recently rebuilt Orlando’s Packing District in partnership with the city, revitalizing an area west of College Park. Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2026 The congregation is raising money to rebuild. Bracey Harris, NBC news, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • In the study, the researchers reconstructed the evolutionary history of osteoderms across squamate reptiles – the group that includes lizards and snakes – over a span of around 320 million years.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Jan. 2026
  • By combining measurements of different elements in Earth's crust and mantle, rock core observations, and natural gamma-ray data from Jurassic-era lake mudstones, the team reconstructed how environmental conditions changed through time.
    Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Grant Williams has played in the last two games, making his season debut after spending the past 14 months rehabilitating a torn right ACL.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2026
  • At the same time, crews will rehabilitate the bridge at Lake and Spruce roads.
    Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Power has since been restored, but some services are still limited.
    Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The projects included restoring two bread ovens at a bakery destroyed by Russian warfare, and purchasing a delivery van so that bread could reach more people.
    Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on rebuild

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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