Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition make up in American English

make up phrasal verb

phrasal verb
1

to invent an explanation for something, especially in order to avoid being punished or embarrassed

Example

He made up some excuse about the dog eating his homework.

Synonyms and related words
misspeak deceive make up
2

to invent a story, poem, etc.

Example

The children made up a little poem and wrote it in the card.

Synonyms and related words
imagine suppose think up
3

to combine together to form something larger

Example

Women make up 40 percent of the workforce.

Example

This book is made up of twelve separate short stories.

Synonyms and related words
mix dissolve stir in
4

to prepare or arrange something

Example

I'll get the pharmacist to make this prescription up for you.

Example

Could you make up a list of all the things we need?

Example

You should stay the night - I'll make up a bed for you.

Synonyms and related words
plan arrange organize
5

to make an amount or a number complete

Example

I'm paying $500, and Dave is making up the difference.

Synonyms and related words
add up come to amount to
6

to become friendly with someone again after an argument

Example

Why don't you two forget your differences and make up?

Example

They argue a lot, but they always kiss and make up.

Example

Tom still hasn't made up with Alice.

7

to work at different times from usual because you have not worked enough at the normal times

Example

Sorry I'm late; I'll make up the time tonight.

Synonyms and related words
at work be on days billable time
8

to produce something from cloth

Example

You could make up some curtains from that material.

Synonyms and related words
sew mend stitch
9

to put makeup on someone's face

Example

They made my face up to look like a clown.

Example

She takes forever to make up in the morning.

Synonyms and related words
cleanse cotton cotton bud
10

used for saying that something is so unlikely or improbable it seems impossible for it to be true

Example

You couldn't make it up - the man is a walking parody.

Definition make up in American English