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
Jaime Luke, an assistant professor and livestock economist at Michigan State University, said an additional 300,000 metric tons of ground beef would represent about a 2% increase in the domestic beef supply. — Joe Hernandez, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026 Those issues, along with rising beef prices, led Harp to close his restaurant. — Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 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
  • The protein building blocks can have anti-inflammatory and muscle-building properties – though studies and safety analyses of their benefits and efficacy as supplements or injections vary widely.
    — Cara Kelly, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
  • So if muscles start to tighten, people lose spinal mobility and lumbopelvic stability.
    — Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of muscle
Verb
  • The sport is now on TV every night of the week these days—and unlike some traditionalists, football-loving families aren’t complaining.
    — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Undermining an alliance Coupang is not the first American company to complain of targeting by South Korean regulators.
    — Justin Papp, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of complain
Noun
  • Grannell has made other threats this year, beginning five months ago, according to the account of an FBI special agent that is described in a criminal complaint.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The first ethics complaint was filed last Friday by an employee of the City Attorney's Office who also asked to remain anonymous.
    — Brian Maass, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of complaint
Noun
  • As Itauma continued attempting to throw power punches, Hrgović knew his opponent had nothing left and went for the kill.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The last act before festival founder Olivia Rodrigo, Roan turned it out with all of her powers—bolstered by a bold and bitchy, razor-sharp bob.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of power
Verb
  • Otherwise, there’s definitely a family-friendly element to the hotel (the whole storybook feel screams childhood), though the food options may be a little bit advanced for a kids’ palate.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
  • His career numbers – 24 touchdown passes against 22 interceptions – hardly scream program savior.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of scream
Noun
  • Group chats have—rightfully—earned a reputation as containers for gossips or for the airing of grievances that someone might not want to fully offer out loud to the public, and mine are not absent those things, from time to time.
    — Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Many readers — some likely joking — shared their grievances with Elmo.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of grievance
Noun
  • His parents did not want to cause a fuss and give this bully power over their son by calling him out.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • This marks the first time since 2022 that Barca could spend significantly and register players without fuss.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on beef

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about beef

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