1
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
2
as in to gain
to gradually increase in
the roller coaster built up momentum
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
4
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
as in promotion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 23 Jan. 2025
Your liver can only process about one drink per hour, so drinking more than that causes alcohol to build up in your bloodstream.
—Jay N. Yepuri, Verywell Health, 23 Jan. 2025
Mira Rojanasakul, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025
The vapor barrier below the house, which helps prevent moisture buildup and mold, was cut up, and there were no air vents to allow circulation.
—Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for build up 
Verb
That means trace amounts of these chemicals build up in the environment and can take more than a thousand years to fully break down.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 23 Jan. 2025
Your liver can only process about one drink per hour, so drinking more than that causes alcohol to build up in your bloodstream.
—Jay N. Yepuri, Verywell Health, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
In many cases, homeowners, state agencies and the federal government will have to do more to prevent vegetation buildup around high-risk areas, experts say.
—Mira Rojanasakul, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025
The vapor barrier below the house, which helps prevent moisture buildup and mold, was cut up, and there were no air vents to allow circulation.
—Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
-
Another 2021 study found that sleep deprivation increased levels of cortisol during interpersonal conflict.—
Daisy Jones,
Vogue,
26 Jan. 2025
-
Since the attack, Weisz-Gut has felt forced to take account of the specter of increasing prejudice in Europe on a personal level.—
Allison Gordon,
CNN,
26 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Starting in the nineteen-fifties, before the movement for inclusive classrooms had gained traction in education circles, Weekday enrolled children with physical and intellectual disabilities.—
Jessica Winter,
The New Yorker,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Both players use variations of routes to gain advantages in coverage, especially in the slot.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
18 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
After consuming a lot of excess food or drink, how many toxins does the body accumulate?—
Vicky Vera,
Glamour,
24 Jan. 2025
-
According to YouTube, the Southside Jamaica, Queens native accumulated the most streams of any New York rapper throughout the past year.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Refrigerate the mixture for a few hours or overnight to allow the seeds to gel and expand.—
Jillian Kubala, RD,
Health,
27 Jan. 2025
-
During the month of January, sky gazers will be able to see four planets in one view — and come February, the parade will only expand.—
Caitlin O'Kane,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Pricing and promotions will also be a key to success.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
WWD,
27 Jan. 2025
-
If the case does proceed to trial, experts say, a jury could be turned off by the way DraftKings marketed its promotion offer to novice customers.—
Sean Gregory / Boston,
TIME,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The resort is also known for golf; its 18th hole is one of Wisconsin’s finest: the tee lies atop the Niagara Escarpment, a wall of rock that rises out of the water like a skyscraper.—
Jacqueline Kehoe,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Jan. 2025
-
Finding the perfect rose to become Martha’s namesake was difficult according to Hahn, who visited various fields and looked at dozens of contenders.—
Jessica Jordan,
CNN,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Crowds gathered to watch as people competed to resemble some of the most popular celebrities, including Chalamet.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
22 Jan. 2025
-
Because using solar power to heat water is horribly inefficient and conflating it with photovoltaics ignores the difference between gathering thermal energy and the electrochemical processes behind photovoltaics.—
Michael Lynch,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
In 1990, its northern drift accelerated, increasing from 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) per year to 34.2 miles (55 kilometers) per year, Chulliat said.—
Mindy Weisberger,
CNN,
21 Jan. 2025
-
Nevitt said that the invocation of the Defense Production Act, which can be used to accelerate manufacturing, is also possible.—
Rachel Frazin,
The Hill,
21 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near build up
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share