1
as in increases
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 gains
to gradually increase in
the roller coaster built up momentum
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in accumulates
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 expands
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 builds up
The snowpack that builds up over the winter in the Sierra Nevada slowly melts to feed rivers and reservoirs through the spring and summer.
—
Monica Garske, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
When bleeding or swelling inside one of these compartments builds up, pressure rises and begins to squeeze the muscles, nerves and blood vessels.
—Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
The sneckdown is the snow that builds up on parts of the street that cars don’t use, acting as a natural curb extension.
—Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2026
The water then builds up, finds its way under the shingles and any cracks, back into the attic and then through the ceiling.
—Mamie Bah, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 Feb. 2026
This incredible excitement builds up until the thing finally goes off.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
The residue left behind by liquid fabric softeners builds up over time, creating a water-repellent barrier on fibers.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 20 Jan. 2026
Gently rub the stone over the stains, rinsing often as the soap scum builds up.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
Monica Garske, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
When bleeding or swelling inside one of these compartments builds up, pressure rises and begins to squeeze the muscles, nerves and blood vessels.
—Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
The sneckdown is the snow that builds up on parts of the street that cars don’t use, acting as a natural curb extension.
—Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2026
The water then builds up, finds its way under the shingles and any cracks, back into the attic and then through the ceiling.
—Mamie Bah, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 Feb. 2026
This incredible excitement builds up until the thing finally goes off.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
The residue left behind by liquid fabric softeners builds up over time, creating a water-repellent barrier on fibers.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 20 Jan. 2026
Gently rub the stone over the stains, rinsing often as the soap scum builds up.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for builds up
Verb
-
Replacing your roof not only improves safety and performance, but also boosts curb appeal and increases your home’s value.—
TIMEPROOF USA Roofing Company,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Taking ownership removes friction and increases follow-through.—
Brian Page,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Viewers of the Peacock feed saw some streaming-specific commercials, too, as that subset of ad slots gains traction — particularly among smaller brands.—
Sarah Whitten,Sara Salinas,Sarah Jackson,Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
8 Feb. 2026
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After Achillia gains victory in the arena and brings triumph to the House of Ashur, Caesar dismisses the agreement that would see Ashur gain favor among the Roman Empire.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Hypertensive heart disease is a condition in which the heart accumulates damage due to long-term, unmanaged high blood pressure (aka hypertension), according to Cleveland Clinic.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The snow accumulates into blocks of ice that turn grey from trash and passing car fumes.—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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When one soul speaks its truth, the frequency of truth expands through the collective.—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
-
As the temperature drops, the water freezes and expands, causing the pavement to rise.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Try it again on the next block, and this time a suspicious-looking mushroom rises from within and chases you, a symbol for transformation that the designers hoped would be globally recognizable.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Caterpillar, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, is still fundamentally a cyclical business that rises and falls with the global economy.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Once average winter temperatures hit minus-8 degrees Celsius (17 Fahrenheit), snow loss accelerates rapidly even with modest increases in warming, the researchers found.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Built for flexible, decentralized power generation, the plants are designed to support renewable energy as the transition accelerates.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
No matter the chapter, no matter the group, in London everything swells together like a great Brazilian monochromatic gumbo.—
Theo Lloyd-Hughes,
New York Times,
1 Feb. 2026
-
There will be large waves and swells along the entire stretch from New England to the Carolinas.—
Terry Eliasen,
CBS News,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The questionnaire gathers details about blood type, chronic health issues, age, name, and contact information.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
11 Feb. 2026
-
As 2026 gathers steam, Boatwright is steering into this clientele.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Builds up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/builds%20up. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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