1
a
: a four-footed mammal as distinguished from a human being, a lower vertebrate, and an invertebrate
b
: a lower animal as distinguished from a human being
c
: an animal as distinguished from a plant
d
: an animal under human control
2
: a contemptible person
3
: something formidably difficult to control or deal with
Synonyms
Examples of beast in a Sentence
dogs and other four-footed beasts
the birds and beasts of the forest
They were attacked by a savage beast.
He's a cruel, hateful beast!
Recent Examples on the Web
But this can be a different sort of beast than working with more traditional second- and third-generation clients who have inherited their wealth.
—
Thomas H. Ruggie, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
The regal yet intractable beast, named Apollo, immediately creates practical problems for Iris, from furniture destruction to eviction notices, as well as more existential ones, his looming presence constantly reminding her of her friend’s problematic choices in both life and death.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2024
Most in Becker's comment section agree—modern beauty standards are a beast, and social media is feeding it, but some voices are growing more powerful in their dissent.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Intending to shoot a documentary, Patrick heads into the belly of the beast.
—Declan Gallagher and Chris Bellamy, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for beast 
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Thomas H. Ruggie, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
The regal yet intractable beast, named Apollo, immediately creates practical problems for Iris, from furniture destruction to eviction notices, as well as more existential ones, his looming presence constantly reminding her of her friend’s problematic choices in both life and death.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2024
Most in Becker's comment section agree—modern beauty standards are a beast, and social media is feeding it, but some voices are growing more powerful in their dissent.
—Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Intending to shoot a documentary, Patrick heads into the belly of the beast.
—Declan Gallagher and Chris Bellamy, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for beast
Dictionary Entries Near beast
Cite this Entry
“Beast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beast. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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beast
noun1
a
: a four-footed mammal as distinguished from human beings and from lower animals both with and without backbones
b
: a farm animal especially when kept for heavy work
2
: a mean or brutal person
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