（1）編、編造。其賓語通常為故事、詩歌、借口一類的名詞。
The teacher asked the students to make up a poem about Christmas.
Not having a good excuse, Sally made one up.
（2）彌補、把…補上。彌補的內容為某人之前失去的東西或沒有按時完成的事情。
John must make up the work he missed.
Because you were ill, you’ll have to make up the final exam.
We have to drive fast to make up the hour we lost in Boston.
（3）構成。其主語是若干個個體，其賓語為由這些個體構成的整體。當句子是被動結構時，其后應加of。
Nine players make up a team.
Different qualities make up a person’s character.
The audience was made up of very young children.
（4）化裝、打扮。化裝或打扮的部位是臉部，可同時作不及物動詞和及物動詞。
The actors were making (themselves) up when we arrived.
These days many girls make up when they are still quite young.
（5）湊足、補足。意為湊足或補足所需的數目。
The toy cost a dollar and Ted only had fifty cents, so Father made up the difference.
We need one more player --- will you make the number?