WORKS UP Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

works up

verb

present tense third-person singular of work up

as in develops

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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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 works up The Jetz-Scrubz sponge (awkward to say, easy to use) quickly works up super fine suds from your dish soap, making for a very satisfying and effective cleaning experience. —

Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Feb. 2026 These stylistic parameters, however, feel established purely so the film can wrestle against them, which works up to a point. —

Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026 The whole episode works up to Dorit and Amanda’s confrontation at Dorit and Erika’s birthday dinner. —

Brian Moylan, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026 Smalltown Boy works up the courage to ask Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) to dance, and now their hands are all over each other, much to the chagrin of Smalltown Boy’s ex, Personal Jesus, who is going through the motions of dancing with Caribbean Queen but keeps looking over his shoulder. —

Literary Hub, 15 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for works up

Verb

The press statement also highlighted the work by Mayo Clinic Platform, which develops new digital tools using artificial intelligence and patient records.

— Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2026
The robots look similar to food delivery robots or surveillance robots — which Daxbot also develops.

— Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Mar. 2026