Synonym Chooser

How does the verb annoy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of annoy are harass, harry, pester, plague, tease, and worry. While all these words mean "to disturb or irritate by persistent acts," annoy implies disturbing one's composure or peace of mind by intrusion, interference, or petty attacks.

you're doing that just to annoy me

When could harass be used to replace annoy?

The synonyms harass and annoy are sometimes interchangeable, but harass implies petty persecutions or burdensome demands that exhaust one's nervous or mental power.

harassed on all sides by creditors

Where would harry be a reasonable alternative to annoy?

The words harry and annoy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, harry may imply heavy oppression or maltreatment.

the strikers had been harried by thugs

When might pester be a better fit than annoy?

While in some cases nearly identical to annoy, pester stresses the repetition of petty attacks.

constantly pestered with trivial complaints

In what contexts can plague take the place of annoy?

While the synonyms plague and annoy are close in meaning, plague implies a painful and persistent affliction.

plagued all her life by poverty

When is tease a more appropriate choice than annoy?

Although the words tease and annoy have much in common, tease suggests an attempt to break down one's resistance or rouse to wrath.

children teased the dog

When can worry be used instead of annoy?

The meanings of worry and annoy largely overlap; however, worry implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation.

pursued a policy of worrying the enemy

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 annoy Easily annoyed by noises like gum smacking or cereal slurping. Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025 The controversy over attire comes just two months after Zelensky was criticized and called disrespectful by a reporter at the White House for not wearing a suit during his visit to the Oval Office, with reports suggesting that Trump was annoyed by Zelensky's choice of clothing. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025 Black owners now have another reason to be annoyed this generation excised GPS. Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, Ellie annoys the powers-that-be with her recklessness and inability to follow orders. Noel Murray, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for annoy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for annoy
Verb
  • Use your hands: Since washcloths and sponges can irritate the skin, apply cleansers using your fingers, moving then over the skin in a circular motion.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025
  • Aggressive or improper neck manipulation can irritate or compress nerves in your cervical spine, causing pain, numbness, muscle weakness, or tingling that radiates into your shoulders, arms, or hands.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Or Xander Schauffele, the defending PGA champion who is surely not bothered by the lack of attention on him early this week.
    Brody Miller, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • That doesn’t mean the implication doesn’t bother him.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Some of the journalists who were terminated on Thursday were from countries with repressive governments that persecute journalists for independent reporting, Mr. Abramowitz said in the email to employees on Thursday.
    Minho Kim, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • According to tradition, Peter traveled to Rome to spread the Christian message and was martyred there during the reign of the Emperor Nero, around 64 A.D., as Christians were being persecuted.
    Vanessa Gera, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • But this is not the case in Season 2, and it’s been bugging me to no end.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • In less than a minute, Judge posed both the problem and the solution that will bug the Yankees for as long as Soto is doing his shuffle.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Shannon Smith, 48, was sentenced to 8.5 years behind bars after pleading guilty to one count of taking the identity of another and four counts of aggravated taking the identity of another, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said in a May 22 news release.
    Sara Schilling, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2025
  • He is accused of killing a man named Brandon Fees during a car burglary in 2024 and was in jail awaiting trial on charges of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery and threatening a public official before the escape.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Annoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/annoy. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on annoy

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