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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of build up
Lisa J. Marotta, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2025
In addition to ruling last summer with her Grammy-winning Brat album — and seemingly this summer as well — Charli has been building up an impressive acting resume as well.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 30 Apr. 2025
Ashley Abramson, SELF, 7 May 2025
Lymphedema is a chronic disease with no cure that results in the buildup of fluid in soft tissues and causes swelling in the arms and legs.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
Conversely, state government has reported years of budget surpluses, built up its rainy-day fund, and introduced a plethora of recent programs.
—Lisa J. Marotta, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2025
In addition to ruling last summer with her Grammy-winning Brat album — and seemingly this summer as well — Charli has been building up an impressive acting resume as well.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
If a woman isn’t ovulating, there’s nothing to keep that buildup in check.
—Ashley Abramson, SELF, 7 May 2025
Lymphedema is a chronic disease with no cure that results in the buildup of fluid in soft tissues and causes swelling in the arms and legs.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
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Incidents are increasing now because people are hungry and people are trying to survive, and that is going to also have an effect on society.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
2 May 2025
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The reception for each volume of Love, Death & Robots has steadily increased since volume one dropped in March 2019, with the volume three boasting a 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Sirens, Netflix’s big budget drama release this month, drops on May 22.—
Abid Rahman,
HollywoodReporter,
2 May 2025
Verb
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This helps both individuals gain perspective and prevents an emotional standoff from escalating.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
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My campaign to get Emmy voters to remember how good Black Doves was has gained crucial traction!—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
3 May 2025
Verb
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Evidence is also accumulating that the microplastic bits now found everywhere in our environment – from Antarctica to the Amazon – are invading our bodies and have been implicated in everything from heart disease to infertility.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
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Over time, lint and debris accumulate in the hose, blocking airflow and, worse, becoming a fire hazard, so cleaning the vent out regularly is essential.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 May 2025
Verb
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Wave has since expanded its family of petunias with brands such as Tidal Wave, Easy Wave, and Shock Wave.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 May 2025
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Known for its extreme violence, the group has expanded into Central America and various regions in the U.S. Law enforcement agencies have linked MS-13 to numerous violent crimes including murder, human trafficking, extortion, and drug distribution.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
3 May 2025
Noun
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He’s already been called up to the majors twice in his career, including once earlier this season, but didn’t play in any games after those promotions.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2025
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Alex Hammerstone will return to face Satoshi Kojima with other stars from MLW and Mexico’s Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre promotion on display.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
Verb
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As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, there's no better time to refresh your home for summer with finds from Amazon.—
Toni Sutton,
People.com,
11 May 2025
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Since last week, sightings in the Asheville, North Carolina, area have risen from 140 to 739, according to Kristsky's group, Cicada Safari, which crowdsources and reviews data on the insects.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
11 May 2025
Verb
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Townspeople of Genazzano gathered in the square outside the main church housing the Madre del Buon Consiglio (Mother of Good Counsel) sanctuary as Leo arrived and greeted them.—
Nicole Winfield,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2025
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Gattuso encouraged the family to humanize Pelkey, and gathered about 50 letters of support, including family, friends, elementary school teachers and military buddies, Wales said.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
Verb
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Currently, a shift in technology and user behavior might accelerate the conclusion of the agreement.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
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Witnesses told police the SUV appeared to accelerate directly at the family.—
Bethany Brown,
People.com,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 17 May. 2025.
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