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
Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026
Coronary heart disease occurs when fatty deposits called plaque build up in the heart’s arteries, preventing them from delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
—Barbara Mantel, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026
Angela Haupt, Time, 11 Feb. 2026
When Ronald Reagan first took office, his administration launched a massive nuclear buildup and deployed intermediate-range nuclear weapons in Europe, arguing that Americans were falling behind the Soviets in the Cold War.
—Gerard F. Powers, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
Adding pantry sugar to vases of roses is not recommended because bacteria can build up quickly.
—Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026
Coronary heart disease occurs when fatty deposits called plaque build up in the heart’s arteries, preventing them from delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
—Barbara Mantel, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
Some people benefit from knowing their coronary artery calcium score, for example, which is produced by a low-dose CT scan that detects calcium buildup in the heart’s arteries.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 11 Feb. 2026
When Ronald Reagan first took office, his administration launched a massive nuclear buildup and deployed intermediate-range nuclear weapons in Europe, arguing that Americans were falling behind the Soviets in the Cold War.
—Gerard F. Powers, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
-
The concern is not only the surge in killings, but the increasing brazenness with which they are carried out.—
Zeena Saifi,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
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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
Verb
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After 40 years beachside (and gaining a casual, semi-riotous rep for all the day-drinking amid the sand and surf), the Independent Spirit Awards has shacked up at the Hollywood Palladium.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
16 Feb. 2026
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Vast intends to launch a pathfinder station called Haven-1 to LEO in 2027, then use the experience gained to build and operate the multi-module Haven-2 over the next few years.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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During a subsequent conversation with Humpal and an onsite investigation, DNR staff determined the spill was coming from the west side of the operation where snow melt and a broken waterline caused more water to accumulate.—
Cami Koons,
Iowa Capital Dispatch,
10 Feb. 2026
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The trust accumulated over those projects was what gave both Netflix and Honnold the confidence to mount a spectacle as daring as a rope-less skyscraper climb captured on live TV.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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For many schools, that means expanding technical education classes, building partnerships with local businesses, and getting creative with transporting teens — some just on the cusp of learning to drive — to part-time work.—
Carley Lanich,
IndyStar,
10 Feb. 2026
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Powered by rapid advances in embodied intelligence, China’s humanoid robots are advancing rapidly, expanding their potential roles in both industrial settings and home environments.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Cody Powers said that his mother wore State Farm sweatshirts and T-shirts and entered every promotion the company offered.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoman,
10 Feb. 2026
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The moves come a week into the tenure of CEO Michael Fiddelke, who joined the company in 2003 as an intern — and whose promotion has been met with skepticism by investors who were hoping for some outside blood and, with it, fresh ideas.—
Rohan Goswami,
semafor.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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That leads to high temperatures, which create a glowing protostar due to the rapid (kinetic) motion of the internal gas particles, and eventually, after a few tens of millions of years, the core temperatures rise high enough (above 4 million K or so) that nuclear fusion of hydrogen begins.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Feb. 2026
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The information will be incorporated into the NEMO ocean model, which forms part of the UK Earth System Model, improving predictions as polar ice loss accelerates with rising global temperatures.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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And as traders bought more, the gains gathered steam, resulting in skyrocketing prices.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
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Several dozen demonstrators also gathered at Temple and Alameda streets near the federal building, and a broadcast report said police issued a dispersal order there.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The event saw several European leaders and policymakers reiterate the need for greater defense spending to accelerate the continent's strategic autonomy, with discussions of a common nuclear shield.—
Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
16 Feb. 2026
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Its members are pushing legislation to accelerate encampment sweeps and eliminate a longstanding local requirement that the city offer shelter to residents when forcing them to move.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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