BUILDS (UP) Synonyms: 136 Similar and Opposite Words

builds up

verb

present tense third-person singular of build up

as in increases

to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number static electricity built up on the cat's fur

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Relevance

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as in gains

to gradually increase in the roller coaster built up momentum

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as in accumulates

to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass evidence that the toxic chemical builds up in the bloodstream to unhealthy levels

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as in expands

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

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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 builds up This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. — Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026 This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026 This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026 This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. — Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026 Over time, the negative marks from debt relief will carry less weight as your positive history builds up. — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for builds up

Verb

Airport officials say the new design increases the distance between the terminal and the nearest runway, currently as little as 257 feet, soon to be about 880 feet, bringing the airport into compliance with FAA standards.

— Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Firejet production also increases Beyond collaborative combat aircraft, the expansion will increase production of Kratos’ Firejet family of aerial target systems.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026

Definition of increases

Verb

Jamestown Canyon virus accumulates genetic changes 10 to 100 times more slowly per calendar year than dengue, Rift Valley fever or chikungunya.

— John Drake, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
This dust accumulates in the corners, lurks under the sofa, and rains down on your lampshades.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 2 July 2026

Definition of accumulates

Verb

As the sun expands, gravitational tides act like a subtle brake, slowly draining Earth's orbital energy and pulling the planet inward.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 8 July 2026
The package expands the Air Force’s layered defenses against small unmanned aircraft.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026

Definition of expands

Verb

The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026
As cyber insecurity rises and trust declines, protecting brand perception becomes a critical, measurable part of managing operational risk.

— Jon Michail, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of rises

Verb

America's 250th birthday is bringing on an unprecedented celebration as the nation gathers to mark the semiquincentennial of the United States.

— Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Good morning and welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short, The Drive‘s news roundup that gathers the biggest automotive headlines from around the globe.

— Adam Ismail, The Drive, 1 July 2026

Definition of gathers

Verb

That’s especially important for farmers because nitrogen fertilizers serve as a key nutrient for crops that accelerates growth and enhances yields during harvest, Sumner added.

— Chase Hunter, Boston Herald, 6 July 2026
Chinese equipment manufacturer Zoomlion has unveiled five new-energy technology achievements spanning construction, mining, and agricultural machinery, as the company accelerates its shift toward low-emission heavy equipment.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026

Definition of accelerates

Verb

Top officials appear as the crowd size swells Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani, a 97-year-old Shiite cleric, led the prayers at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla mosque for the late Khamenei and family members killed in the strike.

— Nasser Karimi, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Most people only hear about it when a lymph node swells during a cold, or when a social media video promises a gua sha stone will detox their face.

— Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026