as in developing
to produce or bring about especially by long or repeated effort
spent years working up a period novel that was historically accurate in every detail
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Recent Examples of working up
Opt for lower concentrations (think 5–10% instead of 15–20%) and ease in gradually, starting a few times a week before working up to daily use.
—
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 8 May 2026
The pair are working up a slate of podcasts based around key moments in contemporary American history.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2026
Hope is getting dirty, working up a sweat and seeing action.
—Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
In the early 1990s, Porsche quietly began work on a V-10 engine for Formula 1; when that fell through, the idea sat on the shelf until the company began working up plans for a new Le Mans racer towards the end of the decade.
—Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
All of this adds up to a more comfortable base for visitors to return to after working up a sweat under the desert sun.
—Mark Johanson, Outside, 18 Mar. 2026
More experienced runners can gradually increase the running intervals, working up to four or six minutes of running with a one-minute walk break.
—Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Instead of traditionally starting at 100 pounds and working up to 235 pounds, this year’s matches started at 140 pounds.
—Cody Thorn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Feb. 2026
To this day, working up a mess of beans soothes and centers me.
—Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2025
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 8 May 2026
The pair are working up a slate of podcasts based around key moments in contemporary American history.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2026
Hope is getting dirty, working up a sweat and seeing action.
—Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
In the early 1990s, Porsche quietly began work on a V-10 engine for Formula 1; when that fell through, the idea sat on the shelf until the company began working up plans for a new Le Mans racer towards the end of the decade.
—Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
All of this adds up to a more comfortable base for visitors to return to after working up a sweat under the desert sun.
—Mark Johanson, Outside, 18 Mar. 2026
More experienced runners can gradually increase the running intervals, working up to four or six minutes of running with a one-minute walk break.
—Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 16 Mar. 2026
Instead of traditionally starting at 100 pounds and working up to 235 pounds, this year’s matches started at 140 pounds.
—Cody Thorn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Feb. 2026
To this day, working up a mess of beans soothes and centers me.
—Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for working up
Verb
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There’s a necessary shift—from doing to developing others.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
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The countries with agreements are mostly in the developing world, according to the group Third Country Deportation Watch, including roughly a dozen in Africa.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 May 2026
Verb
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The two worked together nearly 63 years ago, forging a longtime friendship during their time as colleagues.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2026
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So, the Navy is forging ahead trying to make the best of ships its leaders didn’t want just a few years ago.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Verb
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The combination is simple yet complex, creating a subtle sweetness.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 May 2026
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The intricate, contrasting embroidery detail on this babydoll dress is stunning, creating a cool textural element to this look.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
26 May 2026
Verb
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There’s already a case made for Rashford working out cheaper than Gordon in the long run because of the former’s huge wages despite a €50 million ($58 million) difference in their transfer fees.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
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Joyce, who is rehabbing from shoulder surgery, has been in Arizona this week working out with a physical therapist.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
24 May 2026
Verb
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Stocks fell sharply early in Thursday's session, but steadily clawed their way back as investors appeared to take heart from news reports that Iran and Oman are hammering out a plan to oversee traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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Aponte’s predecessor Kevin Abrams was the Giants‘ salary cap lead in previous years, most memorably hammering out the early versions of Daniel Jones’ contract extension in the lobby of the JW Marriott here in March 2023.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Working up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/working%20up. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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