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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Getty Images for Fanatics The Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn beef is being settled in the ring. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 So these other measures that are being put about by the secretary of agriculture and other members of the administration to lower beef prices are really irrelevant to what the market price of beef will be over the next four months. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 22 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
  • These workouts can reduce stress, improve sleep, strengthen your heart and muscles and provide a low-impact workout for nearly every stage of life.
    — Patricia Neligan, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
  • And the potassium content in strawberries helps support healthy blood pressure levels and proper muscle function.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 26 July 2026
Definition of muscle
Verb
  • There’s no flexibility on some SBA changes businesses have complained about.
    — John Schroyer, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Not that any those guys will complain about punching the timecard.
    — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of complain
Noun
  • That evening, Beretti underwent emergency surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach to treat a serious streptococcus infection, according to her complaint.
    — Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
  • The complaint also states that the scientists lacked the appropriate documents.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Definition of complaint
Noun
  • The study provides two examples of Paramount using its market power in order to try and change the tax incentive structure in its favor.
    — Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • In recent weeks, Perez has heated up at the plate and started to showcase the raw power he is known for.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
Definition of power
Verb
  • The shooting of Fuentes Zambrano cannot be seen on the footage, but a woman’s screams and four additional shots can be heard, per the complaint.
    — Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
  • The key is to train the mind to relax, just chill, even though somebody’s at the doorbell, even though somebody’s walking into the kitchen, little kids screaming through the house.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2026
Definition of scream
Noun
  • The dynamic underscores how Trump continues to view tariffs as a tool for exerting pressure, both for trade grievances and as leverage in broader negotiations.
    — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • In recent years, Engelbert’s communication style has been criticized and magnified by these players who aren’t afraid to air their grievances publicly.
    — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 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 29 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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