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
Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 16 Feb. 2025
But in the build up, countless pieces have been written about Michaels’ impact on not only the series, but the entire comedy world over the last half century.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025
Houman Barekat, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
The shredded natural latex core is also hypoallergenic (meaning resistant to dust mites and mildew buildup) if that’s something that matters to you.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
Competitive Cyclist Santa Cruz Bicycles Tallboy D Mountain Bike for $2,150 ($3,599)
Since Singletrack season will be here sooner than later, get ready with Competitive Cyclist’s Presidents’ Day sale with Santa Cruz and Juliana builds up to 50% off.
—Drew Zieff, Outside Online, 16 Feb. 2025
But in the build up, countless pieces have been written about Michaels’ impact on not only the series, but the entire comedy world over the last half century.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
There was a ripple of audience laugher during the buildup, when a member of the troupe wearing a top hat performed elaborate stretches as though limbering up for a marathon.
—Houman Barekat, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
The shredded natural latex core is also hypoallergenic (meaning resistant to dust mites and mildew buildup) if that’s something that matters to you.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
-
Easy solution: increase the toll to keep more cars out of Midtown.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
20 Feb. 2025
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Though Congress began its new session just a little over a month ago, its approval rating has increased among Americans, according to new data from Gallup.—
Sudiksha Kochi,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The quarter-century movement to establish year-round men’s collegiate soccer has gained new momentum in the past year, with the U.S. Soccer Federation having discussed with the Big Ten and ACC ways to launch a pilot program.—
Luke Cyphers,
Sportico.com,
23 Feb. 2025
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Democrats gained 40 seats in the House, flipping control of the chamber, and captured seven governorships.—
Mark Joseph,
Newsweek,
23 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
This was the kind of odd, even morbid artifact that SNL has accumulated in spades over the years—and the 50th-anniversary celebration could have benefited from digging up more of them.—
Esther Zuckerman,
The Atlantic,
17 Feb. 2025
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Staying in the hospital would place additional strain on her family (additional gas and food costs, childcare costs for her brothers, accumulating bills).—
Elizabeth Broden,
Hartford Courant,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, about 90 minutes from L.A., Hollywood power couple John Legend and Chrissy Teigen have expanded their West Coast property portfolio with a vacation getaway in the mountain community of Lake Arrowhead.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
20 Feb. 2025
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The role has expanded into areas like physical security and global technology infrastructure.—
Aleksandr Yampolskiy,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Getting to promotion and relegation will not be an easy fight, however.—
Jeff Rueter,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
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This year’s award went to the River Roads Festival in Easthampton, Mass. The Spirit of Folk Awards are presented to people and organizations actively involved in the promotion and preservation of folk music.—
Paul Grein,
Billboard,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The watch includes a spinning roulette wheel in a 44-mm rose gold case.—
Mikelle Street,
WWD,
28 Feb. 2025
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The shift may not only draw anger from Israel's emboldened far right but also aggravate divisions within Trump's own administration between an old conservative guard seeking a more assertive posture on Iran and the rising cadre of Trump loyalists who more closely share the president's vision.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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On Wednesday evening, a small group of parents, students and CTU organizers gathered outside Rufino Tamayo Elementary in Gage Park holding signs and plastic candles to protest the potential closing of the school.—
Ikram Mohamed,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2025
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About 100 technologists, brand managers and executives gathered to hear passionate talk about how artificial intelligence will affect consumer trends.—
Vinod Sreeharsha,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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If an earlier breakthrough occurs: Should a major quantum attack capability emerge earlier than expected, the bitcoin community can accelerate the above timeline.—
Dave Birnbaum,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
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This aligns with developments in China, where the government is easing regulatory pressures on its tech sector to revitalize the economy and accelerate its AI ambitions to rival America.—
Tony Zhang,
CNBC,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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