WORK UP Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

work up

verb

Definition of work up

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

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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 He feels emotionally ambushed, and what plays out is as if Marriage Story were an absolute chucklefest, as Lestat gets increasingly worked up and jealous over Louis’s relationships with other men. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 15 June 2026 Church’s numinous-sun-over-still-water routine had begun to look a bit like a shtick, equally applicable to scenes of the Hudson or those worked up from 20-year-old sketches of South America. — Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 13 June 2026 Stroll on the Eastern Promenade to work up an appetite and take in views of Casco Bay. — Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026 These surveys drop a lot of hard, time-consuming work up front. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for work up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for work up

Verb

The approach, developed by a team led by researchers from York University in Toronto, could improve how humanoid robots judge distances, recognize object orientation, and navigate complex environments.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Since Ozzy’s death, Jack has been involved in the family business, which includes creating an Ozzy AI avatar and developing a film about his life and career with Sony.

— Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of develop

Verb

Parton earned some of the best reviews of her career after forging another partnership — this time with good friends Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt for 1987’s multiplatinum album Trio.

— Deborah Wilker, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Unfortunate to get a quality start like that again from him and not be able to forge ahead and take control of the game.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of forge

Verb

In addition, a law creating new asylum eligibility requirements, including new time limits for applying, went into effect earlier this year.

— Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
In Freeport, Allen has built the Bahamas Maritime Museum, where relics are cataloged, conserved, and displayed, creating local jobs and drawing tourists.

— Brett Berk, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of create

Verb

But as John Ternus prepares to take the CEO job just over one week from now, the timing seems designed to get some unpleasant work out of the way and let the new boss come in with clean hands.

— Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026
Being motivated to work out is one thing, but staying committed to a routine is what yields results, experts say.

— Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of work out

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works up

work up

workwoman

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“Work up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/work%20up. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of work up

verb

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