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 Eventually that carbon will begin to fuse into neon, then the neon will fuse into magnesium, and so on up the periodic table until iron builds up in the core. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 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, 15 July 2026 Spring cleaning is the perfect time to tackle the bathroom — that one room where clutter builds up fast and organization falls apart even faster. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 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 When ice builds up, the birds can no longer maintain flight and are forced to land. — Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026 By overlooking particle motion, these models may underestimate how quickly damage builds up inside real-world batteries. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026 Vastnaut One includes motors positioned at the knees that help absorb impact as the foot lands, reducing the stress that typically builds up over long descents. — New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2026 The residue left behind by liquid fabric softeners builds up over time, creating a water-repellent barrier on fibers. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for builds up

Verb

But if that decision introduces longer transportation times, reduces product shelf life or increases waste, the gain in one KPI may negatively affect KPIs for shipping, customer satisfaction, loss prevention, etc.

— Guy Yehiav, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
While the first dose means a child is largely protected from the infections, a second dose increases protection.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of increases

Verb

That energy transfers to the ice, which gains that energy and increases its temperature.

— Matthew Koss, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026
Consider identity theft protection If someone gains access to sensitive personal or financial information, identity theft protection can help monitor for signs that your information is being misused and provide recovery assistance if fraud occurs.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of gains

Verb

Hydropower capacity expands China has continued adding hydropower capacity as part of its broader clean-energy expansion.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026
Based on the legend of the Chinese goddess Chang’e, this book reimagines and expands the myth to center her daughter, Xingyin, who flees her home and embarks on a bold adventure to save her mother while training in enemy territory.

— Chloe Gong, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of expands

Verb

If Europe gathers substantially more unwanted clothing without creating that accompanying infrastructure, greater volumes could instead flow into reuse exports, downcycling, incineration or disposal.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026
Established in 2006, Music In The House gathers the nation’s music industry to salute leaders in music for both their artistic achievements and their broader contributions.

— Lars Brandle, Billboard, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of gathers

Verb

While the hurricane is not expected to make landfall, swells created by the hurricane could affect the coast of southwest Mexico and Baja California, as well as Southern California, per the National Hurricane Center.

— Julia Gomez, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
While Karina was expected to stay well away from land, swells from the storm were likely to cause dangerous surf and rip current conditions along parts of southwest Mexico and the Baja California Peninsula, the hurricane center said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026