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Dictionary.com
Definitions

build up

VERB
amplify, advertise
Synonyms
STRONGEST
add to boost develop enhance expand fortify improve increase intensify promote reinforce strengthen
WEAK
extend heighten hype plug publicize puff spotlight
Antonyms
STRONGEST
decrease diminish discourage dissuade hurt injure lessen lower subtract undermine weaken worsen
WEAK
play down

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I want to build up my emergency savings while raising my deductible.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

He works night shifts cleaning and maintaining trains and says he has managed to build up a savings pot of £50,000 by not moving out of the family home.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

OpenAI has been trying to build up its Claude Code competitor, Codex, and sees a window of opportunity in Anthropic’s quandary.

From Slate • Apr. 14, 2026

It also represents the first release from the Meta Superintelligence Labs that the company rushed to build up last year after Llama misfired.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

They involved doing penance for a sin not yet committed, intense and fervent penance accompanied by scourging and flagellation, so as to build up, as it were, a store of credit.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman