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)
Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
The sheriff’s office indicated that all of those earlier incidents had been cleared before the major 75-vehicle pileup unfolded nearby on I-70 eastbound near mile marker 216.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Here are tips from a professional for managing the paper clutter and avoiding the paper pileup in the future.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
At least one multi-vehicle pileup was reported due to the blinding dust sweeping across the state.
—Brett Tingley, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pile (up)
Noun
Further investigation revealed that the pileup occurred only on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70, the Colorado State Patrol said in a statement.
—Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
The sheriff’s office indicated that all of those earlier incidents had been cleared before the major 75-vehicle pileup unfolded nearby on I-70 eastbound near mile marker 216.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Here are tips from a professional for managing the paper clutter and avoiding the paper pileup in the future.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
At least one multi-vehicle pileup was reported due to the blinding dust sweeping across the state.
—Brett Tingley, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pile (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pile (up)
Verb
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Scientists have long believed that CSF helps flush out cellular waste that, if left to accumulate, is linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, according to Drew.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
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Rainwater tends to accumulate at the road edges.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 May 2026
Noun
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The first of three games in seven days will begin without Bouanga, who is suspended for one match due to yellow card accumulation.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
10 May 2026
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In practice, however, the process is often limited by the accumulation of volatile fatty acids, which decrease pH levels and suppress microbial activity.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 May 2026
Noun
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It's got the largest Danish collection of living flora, including more than 13,000 plant species spread over ten hectares and housed in a complex of historic 19th-century greenhouses.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
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However, there is broad consensus that the surge, fueled by enthusiasm around artificial intelligence, can’t last forever and California must address its structural deficit, with spending outpacing revenue collection.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Sports Edition Coach — a spot to gather clues and discuss (and share) scores.—
Mark Cooper,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
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Her family’s all nearby, out in the country and away from San Marcos, where Lindsey is surrounded by dark skies, and has space for gardens, fires to gather around and animals to rescue.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
Noun
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Termites will always search for new sources of damp wood, so aside from chemical treatment, the best way to prevent an infestation is to avoid leaks and reduce moisture in your home, as well as avoid damp wood outside, like rotting stumps and firewood piles.—
Dan Simms,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
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Even actor and Chiefs superfan Eric Stonestreet joined the pile-on.—
Paloma Chavez,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
Noun
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Arches and natural bridges sweep like buttresses from jumbles of rock, giving this landscape a mystical, cathedral-like quality.—
Madison Chapman,
Outside,
25 Mar. 2026
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Macaroons are chewy jumbles of coconut bound together with egg whites and sweetened condensed milk.—
Lynda Balslev,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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To prepare it, dissolve two teaspoons of matcha in ¼ cup cold water, then pour the mixture over two scoops of vanilla ice cream.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
12 May 2026
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Quickly smash butter into flour mixture with your fingers, working until largest pieces are about the size of a pea.—
Claire Saffitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 May 2026
Noun
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The World Cup is considered a SEAR 1 event, the highest risk level for public gatherings in the country.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2026
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Mazaher Hosseini, affiliated with the office of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, made the comment at a pro-government gathering.—
Adam Schreck,
Fortune,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pile (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pile%20%28up%29. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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