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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
PC Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
Bring a bottle of bug spray, a blanket or a comfortable beach chair, then sit back and enjoy the show.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 15 Sep. 2025
Brody Miller, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
The characters muse about the extreme likelihood that their apartments have been bugged.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bug
Noun
The company's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program provides critical and important security updates for unsupported OSes, but does not include new features, bug fixes, or technical support.
—PC Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
Bring a bottle of bug spray, a blanket or a comfortable beach chair, then sit back and enjoy the show.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
His not winning it was considered a failure, and that bugged him.
—Brody Miller, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
The characters muse about the extreme likelihood that their apartments have been bugged.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bug
Noun
-
After 2024 treatments, the state saw the impact mostly on carp and sucker fish, spokesperson Sydney Kennedy told the Statesman.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Train yourself to look for growth that should be removed, such as tomato suckers and low-growing tomato branches, excess dahlia foliage, and tangled thyme.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The smallest, what are called ultrafine particles, even slip through the alveolar capillary barrier itself, crossing into the bloodstream, and from there travel throughout the body, including to the heart, the brain, and the kidneys to initiate even more destruction and disease (see below).—
Bill Frist,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
But the shot has been a life-saving public health intervention against the disease, which can lead to severe health problems, including liver cancer and failure, and death.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Don't push sales and annoy people.—
Nitin Gupta,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Comments about my fast walk annoy me.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This takes two seconds, and she doesn’t get bothered at all.—
Chaunie Brusie,
Parents,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Polarity numbs himself with alcohol and can’t be bothered with God U’s suspicious new Dean, aptly named Cipher (Hamish Linklater).—
Olivia Singh,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
There is, actually, another category of nail lovers that has emerged in recent years, and those are people who swear by temporary press-ons.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Four Seasons Napa Valley For wine lovers and those who love them, any time is a great time to visit Napa Valley.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Urban streams, even once restored, suffer a number of ailments intrinsic to their circumstances and surroundings.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said on Friday that Celebrini will be re-evaluated on Saturday, and didn’t sound concerned that the ailment would keep his top line center out for long.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Generally, mineral sunscreens are beloved by dermatologists for not irritating sensitive skin, the way chemical sunscreens can.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Too many or poorly timed nudges irritate users.—
Prithvi Singh Shergill,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Wildfire worries With the worsening drought comes worries over wildfires.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The airline's fall from grace should worry anyone with loyalty to the brand.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bug. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share