beefed (up)

verb

Definition of beefed (up)next
past tense of beef (up)
1
as in strengthened
to increase the ability of (as a muscle) to exert physical force beefed up the walls with iron bars

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intensified
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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beefed (up)
  1. strengthened
  2. intensified
  3. hardened
  4. heightened
  5. enhanced
  6. deepened
Verb
  • That will be especially important because China in recent years has strengthened ties with a belligerent Algiers.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Under the Biden administration, Attorney General Merrick Garland strengthened the Justice Department's policy relating to the news media.
    Ryan Lucas, NPR, 10 Dec. 2024
Definition of strengthened
Verb
  • The focus on the river intensified with the vehicle drifting south from the marina, turning over and finally sinking, police said.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 11 Dec. 2024
  • And actor Mark Hamill went into lockdown on Tuesday as the fire intensified.
    Hanna Park, Robert Shackelford and Mary Gilbert, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024
Definition of intensified
Verb
  • Allen, the first Black star for a Phillies franchise that was the NL’s last to integrate, had a perspective hardened by his minor-league experience in Little Rock, Ark.
    Tyler Kepner, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in spring and summer, when new growth has hardened a bit is a faster way to propagate mountain ash.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Nov. 2024
Definition of hardened
Verb
  • Any unease was heightened by the crowd remarking on a blaze that appeared to only march forward.
    Corina Knoll, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Existing norms of deterrence still operate, even if they are being tested, and so direct, large-scale military conflict between major adversarial states is unlikely, although the risks are heightened.
    Shane Croucher, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
Definition of heightened
Verb
  • These bourbons each showcase unique flavors enhanced by Sherry or Port cask finishes and have earned top honors for their quality.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Household spending on health insurance will increase across multiple income groups if enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies are allowed to expire next year, Urban Institute researchers found.
    Tina Reed, Axios, 10 Dec. 2024
Definition of enhanced
Verb
  • From stunning city views to beautiful countryside, my appreciation for this state has deepened.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Environmental concerns deepened when El Salvador joined the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals, and Sustainable Development (IGF), a global association of countries addressing mining issues.
    Jesus Mesa, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Definition of deepened
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near beefed (up)

beefed

beefed (up)

beefing

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Cite this Entry

“Beefed (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beefed%20%28up%29. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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