as in to develop
to produce or bring about especially by long or repeated effort
spent years working up a period novel that was historically accurate in every detail
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of work up
The marketing department has been working up a list of areas where crime in the streets is highest, and will target special efforts on Death Wish there, hoping to stir up the kind of controversy that will get people to the box office.
—
Andrew Tobias, Vulture, 7 July 2025
However, Joe finally worked up the courage to open it, and discovered recipes from his mom and Nonna—including the treasured Sunday Gravy recipe.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2025
They also get worked up about Meghan Markle and Lauren Sánchez.
—Brock Colyar, Curbed, 24 June 2025
If the results of the flight pan out, the plan is to work up to a suborbital flight by 2029.
—David Szondy
june 21, New Atlas, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for work up
Andrew Tobias, Vulture, 7 July 2025
However, Joe finally worked up the courage to open it, and discovered recipes from his mom and Nonna—including the treasured Sunday Gravy recipe.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2025
They also get worked up about Meghan Markle and Lauren Sánchez.
—Brock Colyar, Curbed, 24 June 2025
If the results of the flight pan out, the plan is to work up to a suborbital flight by 2029.
—David Szondy
june 21, New Atlas, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for work up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for work up
Verb
-
Zilber Property Group developed the Caledonia facility in collaboration with Saputo and other local partners. Saputo, one of the world's largest dairy processors, closed its Lancaster plant in 2024, resulting in job losses.—
Tom Daykin,
jsonline.com,
31 July 2025
-
One of Arizona’s largest private landowners has plans to develop the state’s largest data center project, a development estimated to cost $33 billion.—
Lorenzino Estrada,
AZCentral.com,
31 July 2025
Verb
-
While the partnership is forging ahead and expects to break ground in 2027, the project still faces myriad challenges.—
Ella McCarthy,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
-
Raised with humble means in the fields of Hobbs, New Mexico, by his immigrant mother, Heredia forged values in hardship rather than academia.—
Jon Stojan,
USA Today,
29 July 2025
Verb
-
Complete the Look Banana Republic Factory Linen-Blend Quilted Jumpsuit A set of coveralls like this linen-blend style can create a stylish no-fuss outfit.—
Rylee Johnston,
People.com,
27 July 2025
-
Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
26 July 2025
Verb
-
The people who regularly call you about special programs to work out your IRS debt are almost certainly running scams.—
Peter J Reilly,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
-
This season, Martinez has made two relief appearances and has experience working out of the bullpen from last year.—
Eno Sarris,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Work up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/work%20up. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share