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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Recent Examples of work up
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Your problem-solving, listening and reasoning skills, which are all necessary for effective communication, can take a hit too, especially if you’re really worked up.
—
Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
Part of the audition process assigned singers to work up cover versions as a group.
—The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025
The series was an abomination of epic scale for Miami, but one that maybe shouldn’t have shocked following a 37-45 regular season and 10th playoff seed that worked up in the play-in to No. 8.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
Their efforts ultimately lead to Trent’s door, and a climax that works up a good froth of suspense.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for work up
Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
Part of the audition process assigned singers to work up cover versions as a group.
—The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025
The series was an abomination of epic scale for Miami, but one that maybe shouldn’t have shocked following a 37-45 regular season and 10th playoff seed that worked up in the play-in to No. 8.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
Their efforts ultimately lead to Trent’s door, and a climax that works up a good froth of suspense.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for work up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for work up
Verb
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Over the years, the property has developed a close working relationship with Alma de Bahía, a local conservation organization that’s dedicated to preserving the intricate ecosystems across Puerto Rico.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
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Doel was Corman’s right-hand, writing scripts, developing scripts with other scribes, coordinating projects in production and serving as script supervisor on location.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
31 May 2025
Verb
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In that role, Pullin forged new corporate partnerships.—
Kate Marijolovic,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 May 2025
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As cities like Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Doha, Qatar forge their own design heartlands and groom new talent, a rising number of Middle Eastern designers are tapping into the narrative of the Majlis in modern culture.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
29 May 2025
Verb
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Ronaldo’s post on social media on Monday, when Al Nassr played the final match of their season, then created more conversation.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
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Defense created easy offense and in the halfcourt, the ball skipped around.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
28 May 2025
Verb
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There has been a lot written about how your body can influence your mood—from the importance of working out to meditating, to getting enough sleep.—
Aliza Knox,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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That didn’t work out so well when the bored kid annexed Crimea.—
Stephen Collinson,
CNN Money,
31 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Work up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/work%20up. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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