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

Against high-pressing sides, City have - at times - still built up short by asking midfielders such as Bernardo Silva and Rodri to drop deep and pick up the ball directly from the goalkeeper.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

After dinner, it being still cool, I built up the fire again.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien