built up

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.

North Korea, believing that Chinese-style economic reforms would endanger the absolute control of the Kim dynasty, built up a nuclear arsenal to shore up the regime’s power indefinitely.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

The country has diversified its energy sources, including into renewables, and had built up its strategic petroleum reserve to a greater extent than others, giving it some extra cushion.

From Barron's • May 30, 2026

Homeowners stay put, enjoying ever-rising property values, while renters are forced to leave the city and start over elsewhere with no equity built up.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

To be sure, U.S. households are no longer flush with the excess savings built up during the pandemic era.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

Methodically, still in a dream, Nhamo built up a fire beneath.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer