build on

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.

The findings build on earlier ancient DNA studies published in 2021 that first proposed the idea that modern Japanese people descend from three major ancestral sources instead of two.

From Science Daily • May 14, 2026

People should focus on creating more wealth and jobs, and build on the progress made in the last 40 years through the achievement of peace and the development of infrastructure.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

And I think that’s something to build on.

From Slate • May 12, 2026

Nintendo began selling the Switch 2 console in June, aiming to build on the success of its predecessor, whose popularity was amplified by a pandemic-driven videogame boom.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

“Certainly they cannot build on it; it is a swamp, meant only for rice-growing.”

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya