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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Items in the all-day menu include delicious mini Wagyu beef sliders, a wild mushroom ravioli, and an artisan charcuterie board comprising Iberico ham, truffle salami, chorizo picante, and cornichons. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2026 Customers can also expect certified angus beef, prepared sides, salads and entries that are available daily. — Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Verb
Injuries would be a concern, but this is a beefing-up-the-squad signing. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 26 May 2026 Country star Kacey Musgraves is currently beefing with a fat internet activist who is mad at her because Walmart doesn't sell any of her newest line of clothing in plus sizes. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 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
  • Meanwhile, turbo noise fills the cabin alongside the odd electric motor whine.
    — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • That is, until you are subjected to the relentless whine of mosquitoes.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 June 2026
Definition of whine
Noun
  • Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, confusion and, in some cases, diarrhea.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 19 July 2026
  • Protein can make your morning coffee more filling and help support muscle health.
    — Trista Chan, Health, 19 July 2026
Definition of muscle
Verb
  • In short order, users started complaining about multiple system reboots rather than the one expected with a security update.
    — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Researchers found nearly everyone admits to at least one bad beach habit, even as many complain about other people’s behavior.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2026
Definition of complain
Noun
  • Now a union spokesperson says employees might file a complaint with a state board intended to protect public employees.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • Last year, lawmakers passed a law shielding the Concord speedway and other racetracks from noise and other nuisance complaints.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
Definition of complaint
Noun
  • Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Saudi Arabia reported raising alarms or fending off Iranian attacks, as Kuwait said another power and water desalination plant was hit.
    — Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
  • The strikes injured several people at the oil facility and caused a fire at the desalination plant, forcing several power generation units offline.
    — Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 18 July 2026
Definition of power
Verb
  • The straw materials practically scream summer, crafted to go with all of your beach looks this season.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026
  • Usher went on to remove his leather jacket to reveal a sculpted bare torso, to screams of delight from much of the audience.
    — Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2026
Definition of scream
Noun
  • The last tumultuous decade of grievance and attacks on our democratic norms should have taught us to adopt the wisdom of Maya Angelou.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
  • Prime-time addresses that spew grievances and obvious falsehoods may drive voters even further away from the GOP.
    — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
Definition of grievance
Noun
  • Much fuss has been made online about these audience scores by a segment of the population who believe The Odyssey was destined to fail, and something sinister must be going on behind the scenes to produce these numbers.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Midfielder Joao Neves looks to move the ball on quickly, finding Bruno Fernandes with a quick pass, but Rodri is aware and instantly closes him down, barging him off the ball and returning the ball to his centre-back with minimal fuss.
    — Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 19 July 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 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on beef

Nglish: Translation of beef for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about beef

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