1
as in increasing
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 growing (in)
to gradually increase in
the roller coaster built up momentum
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in accumulating
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 expanding
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of building up
Germany has committed 100 billion euros to modernize its military, and Poland is building up its armed forces with a goal of amassing 300,000 troops.
—
Alan Cullison, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
For over 20 years, the South African artist has been one of the genre’s true workhorses, building up an intimidating discography under names like Echologist and Beat Pharmacy and applying the style’s pearlescent, pulsating aesthetic to a range of frameworks.
—Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
This corona gets all twisted up with magnetic fields, building up tension until, boom, a flare lets it all out.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Israel has long mistrusted UNIFIL, accusing it of failing to prevent Hezbollah from building up its military presence along the border in violation of ceasefire agreements going back two decades.
—Abby Sewell, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Trash Cans Emptying the trash isn't enough to prevent funky odors from building up in your home.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
In the current administration, building up ICE and the deportation regime has taken priority.
—Frank Devito, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
Sramek has claimed that building up the infrastructure of the city will provide thousands of construction jobs for the next 40 years.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026
Sweeping daily—especially in the kitchen—prevents dust, crumbs, and dirt from building up and keeps floors consistently fresh.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
Alan Cullison, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
For over 20 years, the South African artist has been one of the genre’s true workhorses, building up an intimidating discography under names like Echologist and Beat Pharmacy and applying the style’s pearlescent, pulsating aesthetic to a range of frameworks.
—Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
This corona gets all twisted up with magnetic fields, building up tension until, boom, a flare lets it all out.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Israel has long mistrusted UNIFIL, accusing it of failing to prevent Hezbollah from building up its military presence along the border in violation of ceasefire agreements going back two decades.
—Abby Sewell, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
Trash Cans Emptying the trash isn't enough to prevent funky odors from building up in your home.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
In the current administration, building up ICE and the deportation regime has taken priority.
—Frank Devito, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
Sramek has claimed that building up the infrastructure of the city will provide thousands of construction jobs for the next 40 years.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026
Sweeping daily—especially in the kitchen—prevents dust, crumbs, and dirt from building up and keeps floors consistently fresh.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for building up
Verb
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Now, decoupling supply chains are driving manufacturing growth in the West once more, electric vehicles and home heat pumps need to be plugged in, and the makers of AI’s large language models have ever-increasing power needs.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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The move marks a broader trend from the brand, which has been increasing its visibility to new markets through the world of sports, and, at the moment, none is hotter than that of F1.—
Blake Buettner,
Robb Report,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Deep clean your shower once a week to keep residue and mold from accumulating, making sure to clean your shower drain and shampoo and conditioner bottles.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Future versions are projected to extend driving range to around 310–372 miles (500–600 kilometers), expanding suitability beyond short-range applications.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Bill Gates named in Epstein files Documents released from the Epstein files indicate that Gates and Epstein met repeatedly after Epstein's prison term to discuss expanding the Microsoft founder's philanthropic efforts.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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For example, rising temperatures have direct harms on health by increasing risk of dehydration and causing more stress on the heart.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Now firmly established as both a premier service destination and a rising industry hub, Morocco is looking outward, fielding major delegations at platforms such as Venice Production Bridge and this year’s EFM to connect a new generation of filmmakers directly to the global market.—
Ben Croll,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
So, Horse years in general are all about independence, with women gaining it in great strides.—
Annabel Gat,
Vogue,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Other likely contenders in 2028 are gaining notoriety by holding the administration accountable in the present.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
That could be a signal that the pace of layoffs is accelerating.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Alphabet reported fantastic fourth-quarter results on Wednesday, proof that its eye-popping spending on artificial intelligence is accelerating growth across all its businesses.—
,
CNBC,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Patients should learn that swelling and bruising are most noticeable during the first few weeks.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Software stock slide worsens on AI fears US software stocks sank further Tuesday on swelling investor fears that new AI tools will eat their lunch.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Lifelong New England Patriots fan Eric Jellison never imagined that rolling up his sleeve to donate blood would send him to the Super Bowl.—
Logan Hall,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Blood donors will get some perks for rolling up their sleeves.—
Pioneer Press,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Building up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/building%20up. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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