as in to develop
to produce or bring about especially by long or repeated effort
spent years working up a period novel that was historically accurate in every detail
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 work up
Reintegration apparently really works up an appetite.
—
Erik Kain, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Running Beginning runners can work up to running for extended periods by mixing walking with running.
—Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 19 Feb. 2025
As the Kings worked up a big fourth-quarter comeback to get within five, Jokic made four free throws in the final minute to secure the victory.
—David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025
Dine on seafood and sip local beers in Sandbridge
After reeling in a trophy catch and working up an appetite, stop by Margie and Ray’s on the way to Sandbridge Beach.
—AFAR Media, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for work up
Erik Kain, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Running Beginning runners can work up to running for extended periods by mixing walking with running.
—Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 19 Feb. 2025
As the Kings worked up a big fourth-quarter comeback to get within five, Jokic made four free throws in the final minute to secure the victory.
—David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025
Dine on seafood and sip local beers in Sandbridge
After reeling in a trophy catch and working up an appetite, stop by Margie and Ray’s on the way to Sandbridge Beach.
—AFAR Media, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for work up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for work up
Verb
-
However, if the drywall develops large vertical, horizontal, or diagonal cracks, this is a sign that the foundation is unstable.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Mar. 2025
-
This mindset often develops from early experiences of taking on too much responsibility or facing challenges without support.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Against an unstable, precarious world, designers forged ahead making clothes for future versions of us—six months into the future, but into the future nonetheless.—
Laia Garcia-Furtado,
Vogue,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Without their go-to scorer and clutch performer, the Knicks are forging a new identity as a stout defensive team.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
18 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Often called the holy grail of clean energy, nuclear fusion creates four times more energy per kilogram of fuel than traditional nuclear fission and 4 million times more than burning coal, with no greenhouse gasses or long-term radioactive waste.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
17 Mar. 2025
-
As before, no new money is created when original savings are used up.—
Ann Rutledge,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
But when breaking down overall costs, the monthly commitment works out to be just two dollars per week, resulting in access to thousands of hours of TV shows and movies, as well as sports and news.—
Maya Gandara,
StyleCaster,
21 Mar. 2025
-
Happily, by the story’s end, everything works out, and Babe wins a herding competition.—
Manon Bischoff,
Scientific American,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Work up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/work%20up. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share