as in to develop
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of work up
Before anyone gets too worked up about his youth, his credentials in Green Bay, Denver and Philadelphia are impeccable.
—
Kevin Sherrington
feb. 18, Dallas Morning News, 18 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
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
The Cloudripper is breathable and moisture-wicking, perfect for working up a sweat.
—Anna Callaghan, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for work up
Kevin Sherrington
feb. 18, Dallas Morning News, 18 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
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
The Cloudripper is breathable and moisture-wicking, perfect for working up a sweat.
—Anna Callaghan, Outside, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for work up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for work up
Verb
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Does this sort of thing not allow narratives to develop, rivalries to grow, entertaining animus to fester?—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
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Researchers in China have developed a new type of polymer solar cells that deliver a stable power conversion performance.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The second Vanderbilt University Literary Prize recipient is Melissa Range’s Printer’s Fist, forged from archival research of nineteenth century anti-slavery movements.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Mar. 2026
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In foreign policy, Beijing has prioritized its own interests by forging bilateral ties while encouraging multilateral engagement.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Tretter became chief strategy officer (a position created for him) after two terms as NFLPA president (2020-2024) and drew criticism for his handling of the selection process that led to Howell’s hiring.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
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Tim Roberts, president of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, said the case highlights the problems with creating retrospective laws – in this case, one to protect children who are being grilled by police.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Christopher Carnahan, a Los Angeles police officer who was accused of skydiving and working out while also collecting disability benefits by exaggerating an on-duty work injury, was charged with two counts of felony insurance fraud, prosecutors said.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Feb. 2026
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The move has worked out splendidly on the ice so far, with the Ducks dramatically improving their record with a talented young core gaining another year of experience.—
Greg Beacham,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Work up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/work%20up. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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