beef 1 of 2

noun

ˈbēf How to pronounce beef (audio)
Definition of beefnext
1
as in whine
an expression of dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment had to deal with an angry customer with a beef about our service

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2
as in muscle
muscular strength a heavyweight wrestler with a good deal of beef

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beef

2 of 2

verb

as in to complain
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely he tends to stand around and beef for hours about any slight, real or imagined

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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 beef
Noun
Burger and taco chains have been facing soaring costs for beef. — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026 The European Union has implemented a ban on Brazilian beef imports because of noncompliance with food safety and antibiotic use. — Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
Hours after the final bout, he’s scheduled to jet off to the G7 summit in the French Alps for talks with several world leaders he’s been beefing with over war and tariffs. — Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 12 June 2026 Injuries would be a concern, but this is a beefing-up-the-squad signing. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for beef
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beef
  1. whine
  2. muscle
  3. complain
  4. complaint
  5. power
  6. scream
  7. grievance
  8. fuss
Noun
  • The mystic whine of Christine Ott and Mathieu Gabry’s score carries us into a hidden world of ancient Thai deities living inside the mountain’s caves and tunnels.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, turbo noise fills the cabin alongside the odd electric motor whine.
    — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of whine
Noun
  • Over the past couple of centuries interest in male muscle development and fitness has peaked during times of economic precarity and conflict.
    — Gavin Francis, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026
  • This year, Chinese researchers unveiled a robotic manta ray powered by muscle taken from a frog and steered with light.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of muscle
Verb
  • Journalists have complained that the lucrative and high-profile show is not subject to The Atlantic’s editorial rules, input, or oversight — yet a casual listener could easily take it for an Atlantic editorial product.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Kelker-Kelly reportedly had complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive, and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event, police said.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of complain
Noun
  • As for his SpaceX funds, Meyer told investors in 2021 that a large purchase in SpaceX assets had closed even though the third-party fund that held the shares wouldn’t approve the transfer, the complaint states.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • In a 2020 lawsuit, Dougan alleged he was retaliated against after an investigation was conducted into a complaint of gender discrimination that originated in the Fire Department’s Communications Center.
    — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of complaint
Noun
  • Just ask the Taliban, now back in charge in Afghanistan after being driven from power.
    — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • That’s not to mention what could be a massively consequential midterm election, fueled by AI anxiety among voters, that could test the bounds of their power.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of power
Verb
  • Set the scene The Homestead screams quirky, artful, and vintage yet restored—capturing a whimsical, fairytale ambiance embellished with hints of Southern charm.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In reviewing the body camera footage, police found that the child was standing on the stairwell at one point and was screaming while holding her left arm up in the air, according to the warrant affidavit.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of scream
Noun
  • The contract also establishes a binding grievance procedure and additional pay for employees who take on extra duties or are required to work on-site during an emergency.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Public employees can encounter agency-specific procedures, while unionized workers may have grievance requirements established through collective bargaining.
    — William Jones, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of grievance
Noun
  • There’s something classic about a plate of buffalo wings in front of a TV playing football, and this gets you there without any fuss.
    — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 26 Sep. 2026
  • For all the fuss the Edmonton Oilers have generated this offseason, the club will enter the 2026-27 season with a largely unchanged roster.
    — Janson Duench, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of fuss

Phrases Containing beef

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bee's knees
beef
beefcake
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Cite this Entry

“Beef.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beef. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on beef

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about beef

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