BUILD (UP) Synonyms: 195 Similar and Opposite Words

build up 1 of 2

verb

Definition of build up

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

as in to gain

to gradually increase in the roller coaster built up momentum

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

buildup

2 of 2

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

Verb

As part of the aforementioned slow approach, twice a week is a good starting point for retinol usage, building up as the skin’s tolerance increases. — Ellie Davis, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026 Even after the war ends, the Russian military and economy will need years to recover, which gives Europe time to build up its own forces. — Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

Noun

Caused by a defective gene for an enzyme that breaks down the carbohydrate heparan sulfate, it is characterized by a buildup of toxic material in tissues, including brain cells. — Mike McRae 26, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026 But there’s another way to see calcium buildup, hiding in plain sight (almost). — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for build up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up

Verb

By increasing the carrier density in the neighbouring graphene bilayer, the team progressively weakened the Coulomb interactions between electrons in the magic-angle graphene.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
The cores or plugs removed from the lawn during aeration actually increase the success of overseeding by providing more direct contact between the seeds and the soil.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

Oswego finished seven of its 11 drives by scoring points and gained 483 yards.

— Jerry Birchfield, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Iceland, which gained independence from Denmark in 1944, has a proud history of independence, of not allowing itself to be pushed around by bigger and richer European nations.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of gain

Verb

The View From Beijing In a departure from business strategies of the past, this current cohort of Chinese companies has a mandate to expand internationally, according to academic Karim Alwadi, based in Beijing.

— Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Opened on New Year’s Day in 1926, the hotel was expanded by famed society architect Maurice Fatio, who managed to maintain intimacy despite imposing a larger footprint.

— Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of expand

Noun

This shift means emotional intelligence (EI) is no longer just for promotions but is becoming an essential entry requirement, as AI handles technical tasks.

— Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
DyAnnah Butler’s promotion from diverse learning coordinator at the high school’s Washington campus to assistant principal at the district’s Alternative Optional Education Center (AOEC) was also unanimously approved by the board.

— Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of promotion

Verb

But rising bond yields make safer government debt more attractive relative to stocks, while also reducing the present value investors assign to companies’ future earnings.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
At the same time, waste is still piling up and resale’s environmental footprint is rising.

— Bella Webb, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of rise

Verb

The feeds then went to the pets as the houseguests were set to gather at the dining room table time machine.

— Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 30 Aug. 2026
King’s eyes gather the world’s hodgepodge, and her hand records with a sensitivity that can come only from fondness.

— Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of gather

Verb

Liu pointed to China’s 2025 Global AI Governance Action Plan, which calls for accelerating construction of clean power, next-generation networks, computing capacity and data centers.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
As a result, fewer researchers seek material that could accelerate innovation, and fewer countries are willing to share it.

— Anna Nelson, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of accelerate

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builds up

build up

buildup

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Style

“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of build up

verb

noun

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