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.
The warehouse operator sought a City of Los Angeles permit to rebuild, but Bass ordered a pause on that in July. — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026 Although much of the media attention on Harry and Meghan has focused on family tensions and recriminations in recent years, Owens suggested that the story may now shift to the royal’s efforts to rebuild family harmony. — ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026 The couple subsequently took the place down to the studs and rebuilt it in collaboration with real estate developer and designer Xorin Balbes. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026 Most interestingly, the second-biggest need was determined to be in net, even after Bowman completely rebuilt the crease with Frederik Andersen and Devon Levi. — Janson Duench, New York Times, 20 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 21 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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