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Synonyms

build on

Idioms  

  1. Also, build upon. Add as an extension; use as a basis or foundation. For example, They decided to build on an addition, or She was building all her hopes on passing the exam. John Locke had this idiom in his treatise on government (1689): “Sovereignty built on ‘property’ . . . comes to nothing.” [Late 1600s]

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.

Robert MacIntyre has targeted improvement in his iron play and reclaiming the Scottish Open title as the new father looks to build on a promising start to the season.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

This device ban would build on a cellphone ban that went into effect last year.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Sandy uplands, hiding beneath every citrus tree, are low-regulation and ready to build on.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

The researchers also released their designs, tutorials and simulation tools publicly so others can build on the work.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

Kathy earns around $4,000 from personal training and fitness instruction and plans to build on that as the children get older.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.