1
as in to increase
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number
static electricity built up on the cat's fur
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to gain
to gradually increase in
the roller coaster built up momentum
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to accumulate
to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass
evidence that the toxic chemical builds up in the bloodstream to unhealthy levels
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to expand
to make greater in size, amount, or number
he patiently built up his coin collection over several decades the young stockbroker worked hard to build up a clientele
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in promotion
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of build up
Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
That's probably because Earth had to build up oxygen levels high enough and evolution had to kick in with genetic changes, said University of California at Berkeley paleontologist Charles Marshall, who wasn’t part of the research.
—ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Using a combination of durable ceramic materials and specialized membranes, the filtration unit can remove extremely small contaminants while maintaining stable operation through a self-cleaning thermal mechanism that prevents buildup and degradation over time.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
That power was built up over centuries partly to compensate for the humiliation, subjugation, and grievous bondage of Russia’s history, real and imagined.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
That's probably because Earth had to build up oxygen levels high enough and evolution had to kick in with genetic changes, said University of California at Berkeley paleontologist Charles Marshall, who wasn’t part of the research.
—ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
This month, the zoo announced Tina was suffering from an infection and abnormal buildup of fluid in her uterus.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Using a combination of durable ceramic materials and specialized membranes, the filtration unit can remove extremely small contaminants while maintaining stable operation through a self-cleaning thermal mechanism that prevents buildup and degradation over time.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
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The MorphoScan’s measurements ebbed and flowed from day to day as expected, with my weight dropping the day after a cardio workout and increasing after a weekend of indulgence.—
Andrew Gebhart,
PC Magazine,
5 Apr. 2026
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UConn recovered from its prolonged shooting slump to regain its bearings, eventually increasing its lead to 10 points on a Mullins’ 3 with 47 seconds left in the half before heading into the locker room up 37-29.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Loopt struggled to gain users, and in 2012 it was acquired by a fintech company.—
Ronan Farrow,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
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Wennberg won a puck battle deep in the Predators’ zone before William Eklund gained possession.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The gaps between cushions These high-touch and hidden areas accumulate dust, crumbs and body oils that regular surface cleaning won’t reach.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
6 Apr. 2026
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The accumulating studies on individual systems suggest that plants and their fungi cannot be understood separately.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Its owners have expanded their impact and influence to the nearby community to limit development and maintain its cultural identity, which includes restoring and caring for the historic stone buildings from the salt trade era.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
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This will expand affordable rental options and enable home repairs, solar installations and energy upgrades.—
Chase Jordan
April 7,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Anonymous Content announced the promotion of nine executives across multiple divisions of the company on Tuesday morning.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
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The outfielder’s development was likely impacted by being called up as a 21-year-old with barely any playing time in Triple-A under his belt at the time of his promotion.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Now there's another big one; the cost of nitrogen fertilizer, which often comes in the form of urea, is rising due to war.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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Pisces February 19 – March 20 A fresh voice rises from within you.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In Broadview, a few dozen gathered to commemorate the ritual outside alongside detainees.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
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Ali, who wasn’t formally charged, called his family to say that he would be released on bail, and asked them to gather the funds and collect him from prison.—
Cora Engelbrecht,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Such mutations can accelerate a tumor’s growth, making the cancer harder and harder to treat and sometimes, as in this instance, claiming the patient’s life.—
Jerome Groopman,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
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Netanyahu backed the bill despite warnings of an international backlash accelerating Israel’s diplomatic isolation in Europe and beyond.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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