rebuild

verb

re·​build (ˌ)rē-ˈbild How to pronounce rebuild (audio)
rebuilt (ˌ)rē-ˈbilt How to pronounce rebuild (audio) ; rebuilding
Synonyms of rebuildnext

transitive verb

1
a
: to make extensive repairs to : reconstruct
rebuild a war-torn city
b
: to restore to a previous state
rebuild inventories
2
: to make extensive changes in : remodel
rebuild society

intransitive verb

: to build again
planned to rebuild after the fire
Choose the Right Synonym for rebuild

mend, repair, patch, rebuild mean to put into good order something that is injured, damaged, or defective.

mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured.

mended the torn dress

repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation.

repaired the back steps

patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material.

patch worn jeans

rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing.

a rebuilt automobile engine

Examples of rebuild in a Sentence

He rebuilt his house after it was destroyed by a fire. They tried to rebuild after the earthquake. The new owner plans to rebuild the franchise. The team is rebuilding after losing most of its top players.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
At every turn, executive vice president Bryson Graham has made clear his Bulls are rebuilding and far from turning the corner. — Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Hundreds of workers continue daily forays into Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as the company has gone full bore to rebuild the pad to support New Glenn launches before the end of the year. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026 In an era where NFL rebuilds are accelerating and the expectations are to see results sooner, can these Dolphins take something from the Commanders’ quick turnaround of two years ago? — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026 Ryan will play Lenny’s ex-boyfriend Boone, a recovering addict from a well-off Dallas family who’s living at a halfway house while trying to rebuild his life. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rebuild

Word History

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rebuild was in 1537

Rhymes for rebuild

See All Rhymes for rebuild

Browse Nearby Words

rebuff
rebuild
rebuilder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rebuild.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rebuild. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rebuild

verb
re·​build (ˈ)rē-ˈbild How to pronounce rebuild (audio)
rebuilt -ˈbilt How to pronounce rebuild (audio) ; rebuilding
1
: to make important repairs to or changes in
rebuild an old house
2
: to build again
planned to rebuild after the fire

More from Merriam-Webster on rebuild

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rebuild

Nglish: Translation of rebuild for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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