beast

noun

ˈbēst How to pronounce beast (audio)
Definition of beastnext
1
as in brute
a mean, evil, or unprincipled person she's a real beast to anyone who makes the mistake of crossing her

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in bastard
a person whose behavior is offensive to others he always has to act like a beast whenever things don't go his way

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3
as in animal
one of the lower animals as distinguished from human beings a frigid night that was fit for neither man nor beast

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4
as in headache
a dull, unpleasant, or difficult piece of work controlling the state's vast bureaucracy has always been a beast

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Example Sentences

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 beast The sea beast was eventually killed by the hero Perseus, who in some tellings used the severed head of medusa to turn Cetus to stone! — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2026 The writer-producer set his Beauty and the Beast in a fantastical subway world beneath New York City, with Hamilton portraying an assistant district attorney and Perlman the mythic, noble man-beast. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026 Asked what was going on in his head during those hours in the belly of the beast, though, Abrams demures. — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026 One whale metaphor that lands quite nicely is how the sperm whale calls out for help when in distress, which inspires a Hail Mary plan in Jay’s fight for freedom from the belly of the beast. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beast
  1. brute
  2. jerk
  3. animal
  4. headache
  5. villain
  6. dog
  7. creature
  8. job
Noun
  • Most sportsmen wonder how any whitetail bucks, let alone a brute such as Kontras’, could have been so easily patterned.
    — Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The show’s depiction of Hugh as a family man has been much more sympathetic than the book’s description of him as a power-hungry brute.
    — James Grebey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of brute
Noun
  • That roller coaster of flavor and tenderness comes from dry-aging the steaks for 30 to 40 days in rum, and a marinade that involves both jerk spice and Onwuachi’s mother’s Creole green seasoning, a paste of herbs, aromatics and peppers.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • This book includes nothing from Elain’s perspective; hopefully, the next book will prioritize her and possibly offer some magical explanation for why the rest of the Night Court has been such jerks to one another in this novel.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of jerk
Noun
  • Teeling and other bat researchers are studying aspects of the animals’ longevity, including bats’ ability to repair their DNA and harbor viruses without getting sick, for clues in order to enhance our own lives.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The Los Angeles city attorney’s office is suing an animal rescue organization that was once a favorite among Hollywood celebrities, alleging that its owner purchased dogs from puppy mills and portrayed them to adopters as animals that were rescued.
    — Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of animal
Noun
  • Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to Epstein have caused headaches for Britain’s royal family for almost two decades.
    — Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Frequent awakenings, loud snoring, gasping during sleep, morning headaches or uncomfortable leg sensations warrant a conversation with a healthcare provider.
    — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of headache
Noun
  • Still, this villain’s origin story works better as a showcase for effects than anything tragic.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Directed by Grammy Award-winning filmmaker James Mackel, the visual is three-and-a-half minutes of spy stuff, our hero, dressed to impress, making short work of the many villains who lurk in her hotel.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of villain
Noun
  • After contracting the plague, he was banished to a cave, where a dog brought him bread and healed his wounds by licking them.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Anyone seeking to adopt a dog or cat can fill out the adoption form on their website.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of dog
Noun
  • The Beast of Bray Road is part of local folklore, with the creature allegedly first seen in the area in 1936.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026
  • And how did the mythical creature become a go-to insult in politics?
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of creature
Noun
  • Despite a strong growth forecast for the region, unemployment among the fast-growing youth population remains stubbornly high, leading to political instability and leaving the authorities looking for ways to create more jobs.
    — Martin K.N Siele, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • When the heavy hand of government borrowing reduces private investment, jobs are at stake.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of job

Phrases Containing beast

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bear witness
beast
beast fable
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Cite this Entry

“Beast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beast. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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