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

Florida won’t get the next SpaceX Starship launch, but with the first of three launch towers on the Space Coast near completion, Elon Musk expects the company to build up the launch rate quickly. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 But this wasn’t too surprising considering most major productions require story build up, character development, and before we’re eventually locked in. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Noun

The warewash machine was also not sanitizing, and there was buildup on the blade of the table-top can opener, ice chute in the ice machine, inside the table-top air oven in the sushi area and throughout the microwave in main kitchen. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026 Instead of relying on a gritty scrub (which can be harsh on delicate lip skin), Obagi’s Lip Therapy AHA+PHA Smoothing Micro-Peel uses three exfoliating acids—glycolic, lactic, and gluconolactone—to gently loosen buildup and smooth rough texture. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for build up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up

Verb

Some studies also suggest moving commuting times nearer to dusk in the fall increases the risk of vehicle collisions with deer and other wildlife, which are more active around sunset.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2026
Advance voting has also increased more than 30% from the same point four years ago in Maine, Michigan, North Carolina and Kansas, states with competitive Senate races.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

Experts say Kim's troops sent to Russia to support its war against Ukraine likely gained experience in drone warfare from Russian forces and their own battlefield experiences.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026
That one, the Panthers gained a total of eight net yards and settled for a field goal and took a 3-0 lead.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of gain

Verb

Rocks and plants The first method measures beryllium-10, an isotope that accumulates in the top few centimeters of rock that is exposed to the sky.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 24 Oct. 2026
Research has demonstrated the importance of initiating appropriate treatment early in the course of disease, before neurological damage accumulates.

— Bruce Bebo, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of accumulate

Noun

A day before Pomeroy’s promotion, Broadcast reported that comedy boss Charlie Perkins and entertainment chief Steve Handley are leaving.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026
Now leading the charge is event director Genae Salinas, who took over from Christina Henderson after her promotion to vice president of the Endurance Portfolio at Diversified USA, TRE’s parent company.

— Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of promotion

Verb

The question is going to voters because opponents gathered petition signatures forcing a referendum.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Allen took only two dribbles — one before midcourt and one after — gathered his feet, and pulled up from the left side of the arc.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of gather

Verb

Japan has been accelerating military buildup in southwestern Japan to deter China.

— JIM GOMEZ, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
Google just posted two quarters of negative free cash flow for the first time on record as AI spending accelerates while revenue isn’t growing as fast as expected.

— Lucy Bayly, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of accelerate

Browse Nearby Words

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 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of build up

verb

noun

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