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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of build up
Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
So much energy has built up in the zone that even a magnitude 8 earthquake wouldn't relieve it.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Sanket Jain, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2025
Signs that an air conditioner needs to be cleaned include a visible buildup of dust, hair, or other debris; a unit that is blowing hot air, which may indicate that the coils need cleaning; or a mildew smell emanating from the unit.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for build up
Verb
Vanguardia performed Saturday to a crowd that slowly started to build up at La Plaza stage, followed by Lemanz and other local DJs.
—Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
So much energy has built up in the zone that even a magnitude 8 earthquake wouldn't relieve it.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Noun
In the eyes, heatstroke damages the natural defense systems that normally counteract the buildup of harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species, explains Lucía Echevarría-Lucas, an ophthalmologist at the Hospital of La Axarquía in Spain.
—Sanket Jain, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2025
Signs that an air conditioner needs to be cleaned include a visible buildup of dust, hair, or other debris; a unit that is blowing hot air, which may indicate that the coils need cleaning; or a mildew smell emanating from the unit.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for build up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for build up
Verb
-
Hair's porosity will increase in response to the voids in your hair when the cortex and medulla are damaged.23 Low-porosity hair is identified by its tightly closed cuticles, which are reluctant to absorb water, hair products, or oils.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
26 May 2025
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These stressors seem to be taking a toll; measurements show anxiety and sleep deprivation among adolescents are rising, and even teen suicide attempts are increasing.—
Clara Moskowitz,
Scientific American,
26 May 2025
Verb
-
The show lost Samantha (under less than amicable circumstances), as well as actress Kim Cattrall, and gained a number of supporting characters of color.—
Mathew Rodriguez,
Them.,
30 May 2025
-
Last year, Gmail gained the ability to summarize emails on demand.—
Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
30 May 2025
Verb
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With shares down more than 34% this year, Tong urged clients to quickly accumulate shares.—
Michael Bloom,
CNBC,
24 May 2025
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As debt continues to accumulate, the U.S. increasingly faces the risk of default, which clearly impacted Moody’s decision to downgrade the credit rating.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Verb
-
Blockchain, once synonymous with cryptocurrency, is expanding into areas like secure transactions and transparent supply chains.—
Karl Moore,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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Now in its fourth year, Bleak Week is expanding across the country — and, via the Prince Charles Cinema, across the pond to London — to hold screenings at 11 venues in eight cities.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
27 May 2025
Noun
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Kroger The chain grocery store is offering a digital coupon for Private Selection 6-pack of Angus Beef Chuck Patties — normally $12.99, but $6.99 with the National Hamburger Day promotion.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
27 May 2025
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Also keep in mind, travel advisers could have access to different promotions and discount codes, so seek their help to save money, said Wilkerson.—
Francine Knowles,
Chicago Tribune,
26 May 2025
Verb
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Insurance premiums have risen 24% on average in recent years, according to the Consumer Federation of America.—
Michael Copley,
NPR,
23 May 2025
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Future policy changes could determine whether America’s retirement age continues to rise.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
Supporters of Palestine gather at Harvard University to protest against Israel's war in Gaza.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
22 May 2025
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During the current Nile Conference, the team has organised watch parties in Nairobi for every game, creating communal spaces for fans to gather, celebrate, and share in the excitement of the team’s historic debut in the continental championship.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Verb
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With attacks accelerating in pace and intensity, organizations cannot afford slow, laborious reporting structures.—
Travis Runty,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
-
Prior roles at Roku, Amazon, and Google reflect a consistent track record of driving platform growth, accelerating advertiser adoption, and shaping go-to-market strategies across streaming, e-commerce, and digital advertising.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Build up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/build%20up. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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