beef up

verb

beefed up; beefing up; beefs up
Synonyms of beef upnext
informal
: to add weight, strength, or power to (something)
Security around the city will be beefed up during the event.
a politician looking to beef his image up

Examples of beef up in a Sentence

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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.
The changes beef up requirements for registering vacant properties with the city, including owners letting the city know their intent going forward. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026 Takaichi, who has vocally supported beefing up Japan’s security capabilities, is the last piece of the puzzle. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 July 2026 The Government Accountability Office released a report yesterday stating that the United States needs to beef up its surveillance of emerging infectious diseases. — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 31 July 2026 But city leaders responded to Zarutska’s death by beefing up the security in train cars. — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for beef up

Rhymes for beef up

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Browse Nearby Words

beeftongue
beef up
beef Wellington
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Cite this Entry

“Beef up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beef%20up. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on beef up

Nglish: Translation of beef up for Spanish Speakers

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