rebuild

Definition of rebuildnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rebuild contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rebuild are mend, patch, and repair. While all these words mean "to put into good order something that is injured, damaged, or defective," rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing.

a rebuilt automobile engine

When would mend be a good substitute for rebuild?

The synonyms mend and rebuild are sometimes interchangeable, but mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured.

mended the torn dress

Where would patch be a reasonable alternative to rebuild?

The meanings of patch and rebuild largely overlap; however, patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material.

patch worn jeans

When could repair be used to replace rebuild?

In some situations, the words repair and rebuild are roughly equivalent. However, repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation.

repaired the back steps

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 rebuild The structure has twice been destroyed and rebuilt — first by cannon fire during the English Conquest in 1759 and again by fire in 1922 — emerging larger and more magnificent each time. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026 But meanwhile, Jonessays he is still being forced to leave his Infowars studio, and plans to move to a new one Thursday night and rebuild under new ownership. Tovia Smith, NPR, 30 Apr. 2026 Instead of dropping a quarterback into a rebuilding situation, Mougey and Glenn are building the Jets’ foundation before even having a long-term solution in place. Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026 Everything about his presence screamed that rebuilding this bridge at record speed carried intense political weight for him. Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuild
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rebuild
Verb
  • Just as evolutionary biologists can reconstruct the branching history of a species from its genome, Astromech's engine is intended to explore potential future scenarios for pathogen or tumor evolution under therapeutic pressure.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • This new iteration was partly handled by Room40 label boss Lawrence English, who reconstructed the original master tapes and blended them with recent performances by Lockwood and Vanessa Tomlinson, who plays the gong.
    Joshua Minsoo Kim, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • All eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 just before the Bay Bridge are closed as crews work around the clock to rehabilitate the roadway.
    Da Lin, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026
  • And there was a TV movie where Dirk Bogarde played Dahl, many years ago, with Glenda Jackson as Patricia Neal, about Patricia Neal’s strokes and how Dahl rehabilitated her.
    Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As the Moon moves through your 6th House of Daily Routine, small systems restore energy and reduce friction.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
  • But will the changes be enough to restore the competitive integrity of the game once and for all?
    Sam Amick, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rebuild. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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