beat up on

phrase

Definition of beat up onnext
1
as in attack
to take sudden, violent action against A brawl broke out and the players all started beating up on each other.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in jump (on)
to criticize harshly and usually publicly She beat up on me in front of everyone for arriving late.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in lick
to strike repeatedly They beat up on the piñata until it finally broke open.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 beat up on Under Gregg Berhalter, the team mostly beat up on squads they were supposed to, but could also gut out one-goal wins over peers or better teams (Mexico, in particular). — John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beat up on
  1. set at
  2. set upon
  3. fly at
Phrase
  • His bond was set at $250,000, according to online court records.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The question now is whether those players and their attorneys will decide to challenge rules now being set at a conference level.
    — Aaron Beard, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of set at
Phrase
  • Meanwhile, across the way in Capri is the world-famous beach club Fontellina, set upon a rocky expanse.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Place all dryer-safe clothing from your luggage in the dryer for 30 to 45 minutes at the highest heat setting upon returning home.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
Definition of set upon
Phrase
  • His burst was impressive, as was his ability to fly at the rim and put the ball softly off the glass.
    — CJ Moore, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Only a small amount reaches the Earth’s surface, but exposure is greater for people flying at high altitudes.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of fly at

Browse Nearby Words

beat-up
beat up on
beau
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Cite this Entry

“Beat up on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beat%20up%20on. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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