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bug 1 of 2

noun

ˈbəg How to pronounce bug (audio)
Definition of bugnext
1
as in sucker
a person with a strong and habitual liking for something a camera bug who loves taking candid shots at fairs and festivals

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disease
an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning I can't go to work today because I've caught some bug that's going around

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

bug

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts these incessant phone calls are really starting to bug me

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2
as in to bother
to thrust oneself upon (another) without invitation I hate to bug you, but could you help me move this table?

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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 bug
Noun
Research shows that releasing these sterilizing bugs leads to fewer numbers of disease-carrying mosquitoes and no harmful impacts to the ecosystem around them. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026 Volunteers should wear boots and long pants and bring bug spray, drinking water, and snacks or lunch, according to Zarfos. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
However, in-flight cabin etiquette is only one part of what’s bugging travelers this summer. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026 Which Iowa cities ranked on the national list for worst bed bugs? — Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bug
  1. sucker
  2. disease
  3. annoy
  4. bother
  5. lover
  6. ailment
  7. irritate
  8. worry
Noun
  • These sucker shoots can quickly form a thicket of stems that are unsightly, inherently weak, and prone to storm damage if allowed to mature.
    — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2026
  • One was a regional distributor of garbage trucks, street sweepers, and sewer suckers for municipalities.
    — Eric Zwick, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of sucker
Noun
  • Scientists see a troubling trend but are still investigating how the disease develops.
    — Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The report said there was no evidence of a fatal injury or organic disease, though investigators could not determine how Wells suffered the bruise.
    — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of disease
Verb
  • The rare curtain call on the road continued an outpouring of support from Mets fans for Alonso over the past two nights — and apparently annoyed at least one of his former teammates.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • In fact, one of our contributors delved into the minds of flight attendants to compile a list of what passengers do that annoy flight attendants, and ever since, I’ve been dedicated to finding solutions for these easily avoidable flying faux pas.
    — Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of annoy
Verb
  • Tanner Faaborg said he was also bothered by the reshaping of rural Iowa by industrial animal agriculture.
    — Rachel Cramer, NPR, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Before turning it into a judgment about your abilities, notice what specifically bothered you.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of bother
Noun
  • This year, there’s something for nearly every interest, from cheese lovers and bookworms to crafty adults and puzzle enthusiasts.
    — Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • This is our introduction to He and She, two clownish, pugilistic lovers who are locked in a war of words, even as a literal war rages outside.
    — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of lover
Noun
  • In determining whether to reimburse treatment for such ailments, insurers turn to Food and Drug Administration labels and expert guidelines.
    — Arthur Allen, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Eleven gullible idiots were talked into acquitting because of an imaginary female ailment.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of ailment
Verb
  • Its sap may also irritate the skin, and cutting or mowing the plant may create additional exposure risks.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The textured surface made whisking things like custard or béchamel irritating as the whisk repeatedly snagged on the textured surface.
    — Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of irritate
Verb
  • Many of the condition’s early signs, such as depression or impulsivity, can stem from other factors, and some experts worry about making premature diagnoses.
    — Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The backlash against data centers is growing, as critics worry about rising electricity bills as well as air, water and noise pollution.
    — Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of worry

Phrases Containing bug

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buffs
bug
bugaboo
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Cite this Entry

“Bug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bug. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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