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
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 build up
Stephen Neukam, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
The problem, of course, is that U.S. trade deficits were built up over a long time and caused by a decision to favor free trade over fair trade.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025
Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
People with high levels of the rare type of cholesterol are at extremely high risk of buildup, raising the odds of heart attack, stroke or early death.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
The big picture: Schatz and Senate Democrats are building up a backlog of Trump nominees that Senate Republicans will eventually want to confirm.
—Stephen Neukam, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
The problem, of course, is that U.S. trade deficits were built up over a long time and caused by a decision to favor free trade over fair trade.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
The move is part of Tokyo's broader defense buildup to counter China's regional ambitions.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
People with high levels of the rare type of cholesterol are at extremely high risk of buildup, raising the odds of heart attack, stroke or early death.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
-
That reticence could conceivably involve suppressing concerns about how the U.S. military’s increasing involvement in domestic missions is placing strains on resources and readiness.—
Risa Brooks,
Foreign Affairs,
8 Apr. 2025
-
But construction materials, computer parts, cooling infrastructure, and power supplies are just some of the costs that are likely to increase as a result of the tariffs.—
Billy Perrigo,
Time,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The strategy is straightforward: invest at least $2,000 in a company's stock to gain shareholder rights, then submit resolutions pushing for corporate responsibility.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Many victims reported Crawley used his professional status and charismatic personality to gain trust, create an illusion of financial stability and ultimately exploit those relationships for personal gain, the release states.—
Ron Wood,
Arkansas Online,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
According to the National Weather Service, 2 to 3 feet of snow accumulated in the Sierra Nevada at elevations of 7,000 feet and higher from Sunday through Tuesday.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Brushes Some pool cleaners are equipped with brushes that help scrub away grime, algae and other unsightly material that has accumulated on the surfaces of your pool.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In this slice-of-life portrait, Chen shows how childhood experiences can shape someone, illustrating how a childhood passion might expand their horizons without necessarily becoming a lifelong vocation.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
29 Mar. 2025
-
The potential is immense: Businesses can expand into new markets without facing financial roadblocks, while individuals can access their money without bureaucratic delays.—
Marc Sacal,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In addition to postings, the bill would require employers to provide the same compensation information: To job applicants upon request and before any compensation discussion or offer; To employees at the time of hire, transfer, or promotion; And once per calendar year, if requested.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Such was the case this past week when all of the major news was focused on multiple beloved wrestlers leaving their respected promotions.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Fans chose sides, hashtags trended, and both artists saw streaming numbers rise.—
Remy Blumenfeld,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Apr. 2025
-
China’s tariffs would rise by one percentage point; the European Union’s would shift by even less.—
Ben Blatt,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The festival’s organizers expect to gather 55,000 people per day, totaling 110,000 attendees over the weekend.—
Natalia Cano,
Billboard,
4 Apr. 2025
-
This sort of detail is what McGavin appreciates in the stories she’s gathered.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Business leaders obtain the necessary insights to reduce carbon and material usage, accelerate CSRD compliance, and accurately measure the financial and sustainability impact of their decisions.—
Sophia Mendelsohn,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs Wednesday affecting all U.S. trading partners and imports, plowing ahead on a risky economic strategy that promises to further accelerate a global trade war and raise anxieties about higher consumer prices at home.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share