as in to accumulate
to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass
snow piling up in the driveway at a rapid pace
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in accumulation
a mass or quantity that has piled up or that has been gathered over a period of time
a pileup of e-mail messages that needed to be dealt with
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of pile (up)
Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 29 Nov. 2024
The men’s 5,000-meter qualifying rounds saw a four-man pileup in one heat, which led to a shoving match between Great Britain’s George Mills and France’s Hugo Hay.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2024
The Eagles downed the punt in the end zone, leading to a chaotic pileup.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024
Blizzard-like conditions could drop visibility to near zero, putting drivers at risk of multi-car pileups or drifting off the road, AccuWeather forecasters wrote.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pile (up) 
Noun
Then, before 9 a.m., motorists reported a pileup on westbound Interstate 96, tying up several cars and a semitruck — or two or three, according to social media reports.
—Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 29 Nov. 2024
The men’s 5,000-meter qualifying rounds saw a four-man pileup in one heat, which led to a shoving match between Great Britain’s George Mills and France’s Hugo Hay.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2024
The Eagles downed the punt in the end zone, leading to a chaotic pileup.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024
Blizzard-like conditions could drop visibility to near zero, putting drivers at risk of multi-car pileups or drifting off the road, AccuWeather forecasters wrote.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pile (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pile (up)
Verb
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Finally, a little cleaning can cut down on the microplastics accumulating in the dust and air in your home, Woodruff says.—
Carolyn L. Todd,
SELF,
5 Feb. 2025
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Mercury is toxic and can accumulate in the body, which is why choosing lower-mercury seafood, like skipjack tuna, is a smart choice for your health.7 Tuna has anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, B12, selenium, vitamin E, and magnesium.89 7.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
4 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Another critical transition also occurs at a specific point in time in the process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells, as the result of an accumulation of both genetic and epigenetic changes.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
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Crews of men have been engaged this week removing the winter’s accumulation of refuse.—
Kay Johnson,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The collection marked a pivotal anniversary moment for designers Sally LaPointe and Sarah Adelson, who started the brand in 2008.—
Anika Reed,
USA TODAY,
11 Feb. 2025
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The collection of plates and accessories roots the area in comfortable familiarity, and natural textures (like the rattan and wicker tables) quietly acknowledge the home’s island locale.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.—
Mark Cooper,
The Athletic,
3 Feb. 2025
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The large crowd gathered Sunday morning on Olvera Street, a historic pedestrian street and part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, before marching toward City Hall, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA TODAY,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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If not suitable for propagation, branch trimmings can be kept for a wildlife-sheltering brush pile or added to a compost pile.—
Miri Talabac,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Jan. 2025
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Up close with extraterrestrial biology Bennu is a carbon-rich space rock known as a rubble pile asteroid.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Minimize noise and clutter Dr. Small says environmental triggers like loud sounds and jumbles of papers and clothing can increase sundowning symptoms.—
Cathy Habas,
SELF,
17 Jan. 2025
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Owners’ names now read like jumbles of computer code, retirement homes or rock bands: Silver Sage, Dream Homes, Blue Apple, P Fin VII, Wref II, 3xs2, Vivid, Straight Red Lines, TKJK, Jags Proper.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
24 June 2024
Noun
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Hot dogs are wrapped in bacon and browned, then smothered with a mixture of peppers and onions.—
SAVEUR Editors,
Saveur,
5 Feb. 2025
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Real metal Any quality wedding band is made of an alloy, or mixture of metals, that is long-lasting and durable.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near pile (up)
Cite this Entry
“Pile (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pile%20%28up%29. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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