rebuild

Definition of rebuildnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rebuild contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rebuild are mend, patch, and repair. While all these words mean "to put into good order something that is injured, damaged, or defective," rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing.

a rebuilt automobile engine

When would mend be a good substitute for rebuild?

The synonyms mend and rebuild are sometimes interchangeable, but mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured.

mended the torn dress

Where would patch be a reasonable alternative to rebuild?

The meanings of patch and rebuild largely overlap; however, patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material.

patch worn jeans

When could repair be used to replace rebuild?

In some situations, the words repair and rebuild are roughly equivalent. However, repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation.

repaired the back steps

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 rebuild The core lesson, though, hasn’t changed since those uneasy days of dismantling and rebuilding the team. Andrew Rice, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Because solutions are designed with model-agnostic architecture, organizations can adopt future AI innovations without rebuilding their underlying systems. Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 With Washington in retreat, Iran could also revive and rebuild its nuclear program, which would be a stunning failure for the United States. James F. Jeffrey, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026 The lots get sold, and Mayor Karen Bass rebuilds them for the homeless at $2 million per unit. Joseph Kahn, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • The results helped engineers reconstruct the programming requirements needed for the BALDCU.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In its breathless finale, Curry races through the mansion reconstructing every murder, flinging himself through doors and corridors while maintaining the verbal precision of a stage actor performing at double speed.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The developers now plan to rehabilitate the building to add apartments and tenant amenities while restoring the exterior to its historic appearance, alongside adding a nearby dog park and a surface parking lot.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The rescuers contacted The Arrow Fund, a Louisville nonprofitdedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animal victims of abuse.
    Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The advocacy group has proposed legislation aimed at restoring competition in digital advertising.
    Jody Godoy, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Nowadays, the gardens designed for King George IV are being restored, a green lung for the city.
    Lauren Frayer, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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