1
as in strengthening
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 intensifying
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 beefing (up)
Verb
-
The Corps proposed strengthening the bank by implementing riprap, or rocks.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025 -
According to the National Weather Service, a strengthening cold front is making its way across the country toward Nashville.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
This move is part of an intensifying global competition for seabed resources, with nations like the United States also vying for control.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The state has also advanced in large-scale restoration through innovative mechanisms such as restoration concessions, while intensifying actions to combat deforestation and forest fires.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Propose a clear boundary with a sibling (or close friend) to stop resentment from hardening.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Those upgrades involve hardening vulnerable infrastructure, improving outage detection and restoration, and preparing the grid for increasingly extreme weather.—
Chaya Tong,
Austin American Statesman,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
But there were bright spots, too, including awe-inspiring concerts; trips to different cities and countries; and deepening friendships over card games, meals and dancing until the wee hours.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Anjula Acharia is deepening her partnership with Warner Music Group, launching a new management entity under the 5 Junction umbrella less than a year after establishing the label.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The administration has quietly directed diplomats to press allies on restricting inflows, enhancing deportation mechanisms, and ending policies perceived as favoring migrants over citizens.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
-
While achieving a rugged look, the fiber retains the signature softness and high moisture-regulating properties characteristic of TENCEL™ Lyocell, enhancing wearer comfort.—
SJ Studio,
Sourcing Journal,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Adding to American pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared support for Iranian protesters, likely heightening paranoia in Tehran.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
7 Jan. 2026
-
China is heightening scrutiny over tech deals involving US companies as Beijing ramps up domestic industries.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Now, the president is stepping up immigration enforcement.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Bennett has shown the knack for stepping up on the biggest stages.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
5 Jan. 2026
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.
Cite this Entry
“Beefing (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beefing%20%28up%29. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share