1
as in to strengthen
to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force
beefed up the walls with iron bars
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to intensify
to make markedly greater in measure or degree
will beef up security for the next few days while the president is in town
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beef (up)
Verb
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Nevertheless, the stadium had by then become synonymous with big football occasions — a status that was only strengthened by three European Cup finals being staged between 1963 and 1971.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025 -
Regional lenders have been under pressure after last year's banking turmoil, prompting mergers aimed at strengthening balance sheets and expanding into faster-growing markets.—
Alexander Coolidge,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Human rights advocates say Israel’s destruction of health infrastructure and intensified hostilities have hampered efforts to document the full scope of famine in Gaza.—
Soph Warnes,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
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As the winds intensified, power lines across the city started to fault.—
Chiara Eisner,
NPR,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Rainy weather driving tips Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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Wyatt’s pointed use of stark silence to enhance some of the tense moments before battles break out is an effective formal choice that, without the use of slow motion, produces the feeling of time moving differently, making the viewer hyper-aware of what may come.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Over the years, Kahn has seen her friend’s spirituality and connection to others deepen.—
Romina Ruiz-Goiriena,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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As their bond deepens, Tate must confront dark secrets from Wren’s past and the possibility that love can transcend life and death.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This continuous conversation, heightened by agile promo tactics and surprise announcements, is central to Swift’s stranglehold on cultural capital.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
3 Oct. 2025
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Visible operations—from stealth fighters and amphibious assault ships to transport aircraft—serve both as a deterrent and preparation for potential intervention, thereby heightening regional stakes.—
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Beef (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beef%20%28up%29. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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