WORK UP Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

work up

verb

Definition of work up

as in to develop

to produce or bring about especially by long or repeated effort spent years working up a period novel that was historically accurate in every detail

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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 work up He feels emotionally ambushed, and what plays out is as if Marriage Story were an absolute chucklefest, as Lestat gets increasingly worked up and jealous over Louis’s relationships with other men. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 15 June 2026 Church’s numinous-sun-over-still-water routine had begun to look a bit like a shtick, equally applicable to scenes of the Hudson or those worked up from 20-year-old sketches of South America. — Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 13 June 2026 Stroll on the Eastern Promenade to work up an appetite and take in views of Casco Bay. — Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026 These surveys drop a lot of hard, time-consuming work up front. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for work up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for work up

Verb

Most Americans don’t want more data centers and think AI is developing too fast.

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
The grant pays for the organizations to train staff in exercise oncology, to develop or expand programs to help those who have had, or survived cancer.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of develop

Verb

Lightbulb was also accompanied by a kilonova, a bright surge of radiation involving oodles of neutrons—the very kind that could kick-start the r-process and forge all those heavy elements.

— Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
It was forged by five carries, including a 33-yard touchdown run, by the revelation that is Kenneth Walker III.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of forge

Verb

The deep soaking tub and clear shower stall are set pieces in the room, creating a real open and airy feel.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026
Knight may have been thinking about the film for 16 years, but creating the version that is coming out in 2026 wouldn’t have been possible without all of the learnings spread across films like ParaNorman and Kubo and the Two Strings.

— Andrew Webster, The Verge, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of create

Verb

Also, the proposition does not spell out the terms or interest rates on the loans, which would be worked out if the measure is approved.

— Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Users will have to work out for themselves whether buying playtime piecemeal is worth it.

— Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of work out

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works up

work up

workwoman

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“Work up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/work%20up. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of work up

verb

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