beat 1 of 3

verb

ˈbēt How to pronounce beat (audio)
Definition of beatnext
1
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly they attacked and beat him, but fortunately he'll be fine

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2
as in to defeat
to achieve a victory over she always beats everyone at checkers, but she's not as good at chess

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3
as in to surpass
to be greater, better, or stronger than this new animated feature sure beats everything else that's ever been done in animation

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4
as in to throb
to expand and contract in a rhythmic manner the patient's heart beats roughly 60 times per minute

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5
as in to flutter
to move or cause to move with a striking motion the bird's wings beat strongly as it soared in the air

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6
as in to frustrate
to prevent from achieving a goal you beat me to it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in to draw
to shape with a hammer the medieval artisans who beat iron into exquisite swords

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8
as in to glow
to shine with a bright harsh light the tropical sun beat down on our heads without mercy

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9
as in to drum
to strike or cause to strike lightly and usually rhythmically beat the drum in a marching rhythm

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10
as in to confuse
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty it beats me how that slipup happened

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11
as in to circumvent
to avoid having to comply with (something) especially through cleverness he spends all of his time trying to beat the system

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12
as in to grind
to reduce to fine particles years of pounding had beaten the pebbles to a fine dust

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13
as in to cheat
to rob by the use of trickery or threats the screenwriter has filed a lawsuit, accusing the production company of beating him out of his share of the film's net profits

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beat

2 of 3

noun

1
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument delivered one hard beat on the drums

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2
as in pulse
a rhythmic expanding and contracting a single beat of the heart is said to be all that separates the vice president from the presidency

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3
as in rhythm
the recurrent pattern formed by a series of sounds having a regular rise and fall in intensity moved to the beat of the music

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4
as in minute
a very small space of time within a beat he was on the phone complaining about an error in his bill

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beat

3 of 3

adjective

as in tired
depleted in strength, energy, or freshness can we pick this up tomorrow, because I'm beat?

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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 beat
Verb
On an adjusted basis, operating income grew 10%, beating analysts' expectations. — Justina Lee,fred Imbert, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026 The Hawks beat the Hornets by 47 points (a franchise record) on Friday. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Noun
This year, heavensouls dropped westside trapped, a showcase of plundersymphonic finesse and a tribute to Nigerian beats. — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026 Since there doesn’t appear to be an on-device export function, transferring the track to my PC was as simple as opening Audacity and hitting record while playing a beat on the FM-1. — ArsTechnica, 26 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Identifying the problems that plague a team is part of a beat writer’s job. — Levi Weaver, New York Times, 28 May 2026 Since joining the publication, O’Connell had been on THR’s television team, where his role evolved from beat reporter to features TV editor. — Thr Staff, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for beat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beat
  1. lick
  2. defeat
  3. surpass
  4. throb
  5. flutter
  6. frustrate
  7. draw
  8. glow
Verb
  • Occupying a particularly picturesque and secluded stretch of headland, where Aleppo pines drape rocky coves and the cerulean Mediterranean waves lick the similarly shaded horizon, the resort is the hospitality group’s first foray into the Balearics.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Some wagged their tails as people approached, licked their hands and even liked to be petted.
    — Alida de Flamingh, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of lick
Verb
  • This was the sixth year in a row that the Yankees failed to defeat a higher-seeded playoff opponent.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Although supporters say the fear that billionaires will flee the state are overblown, the ultrawealthy have made moves to potentially avoid paying the tax or are funding campaigns to defeat it.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of defeat
Verb
  • Jay Ajayi ties an NFL record by surpassing 200 yards rushing for the second game in a row, helping the Miami Dolphins rally past the Buffalo Bills 28-25.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Although prices reached record highs for 2026, the statewide average for regular gasoline has not yet surpassed that all-time record.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of surpass
Verb
  • Astaire is the world's foremost exponent of that particular variety of heart throb!
    — David Hajdu, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Her voice, usually an attention-demanding force, is detached from the throbbing production.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of throb
Verb
  • The big night As a photographer’s shutter clicks, Folger flutters a mascara wand over her lashes while preparing for opening night at the Elysian.
    — Meredith Maran, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • To achieve that fluttering action, the material in these baits is very soft.
    — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of flutter
Verb
  • Some of his closest Middle East advisers, including his son-in-law Jared Kushner, had grown frustrated with the Israeli leader.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Luka Doncic’s nonstop arguments with officials and trash talk may frustrate opponents, but his theatrical edge is part of what makes the Lakers star so compelling.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of frustrate
Verb
  • Sundfør was also drawn to Julian’s ideas through a close friend who converted to Catholicism while battling cancer, and with whom Sundfør read religious texts, including Julian’s Revelations.
    — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Owners Atlanta Dream The scheduling dispute also drew attention beyond the league, with prominent figures weighing in on the unusual Thursday afternoon tipoff.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of draw
Verb
  • At night, the Sycamore trees glow with lantern light, inviting guests to indulge in late night cocktails and conversation.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • With glowing bats, spiders and eyes, the lights accent the historic home with just the right touch.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of glow

Phrases Containing beat

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beasts
beat
beat a retreat
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Cite this Entry

“Beat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beat. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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