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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb bother differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of bother are annoy, irk, and vex. While all these words mean "to upset a person's composure," bother suggests interference with comfort or peace of mind.

don't bother me while I'm reading

In what contexts can annoy take the place of bother?

The words annoy and bother are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, annoy implies a wearing on the nerves by persistent petty unpleasantness.

their constant complaining annoys us

When can irk be used instead of bother?

Although the words irk and bother have much in common, irk stresses difficulty in enduring and the resulting weariness or impatience of spirit.

careless waste irks the boss

When is it sensible to use vex instead of bother?

The synonyms vex and bother are sometimes interchangeable, but vex implies greater provocation and stronger disturbance and usually connotes anger but sometimes perplexity or anxiety.

vexed by her son's failure to clean his room

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 bother
Verb
Put it this way: Under the old system, the networks never bothered to mic everyone up for those handshake moments that used to happen on the big stage. Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 28 June 2025 Riders were rarely bothered much by driving issues. Abhirup Roy, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Noun
The United States appeared to be in a spot of bother heading into last week’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, after three top players withdrew simultaneously with only days to go. Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 Trump has been threatening for months to use the Alien Enemies Act, of 1798, to expel Venezuelans who the Administration says belong to the Tren de Aragua gang, without the bother of going through legal proceedings. Ruth Marcus, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bother
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bother
Verb
  • When Test Track officially opens on July 22, guests will not have to worry about virtual queues.
    Megan duBois, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
  • Though Harry assured Charlotte that everything is going to be OK, Charlotte can’t help but worry.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Francie instantly annoys Nat by kissing Pete hello, and the two women start yelling at each other immediately.
    Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 27 June 2025
  • If visible bulbs and cables annoy you, these aren’t for you.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • However, infrared videography can help record what’s going on on the beach without disturbing the turtles or crabs.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 July 2025
  • The first beaver to be released in this project was trapped at Arlington Wildlife Area along the Gila River after causing land management issues, like clogging pipes and disturbing irrigation infrastructure.
    John Leos, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • All three sectors know that as the Trump administration considers further policy, and as the administration’s trade talks with China progress, things could change in a hurry.
    Ethan Karp, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Being an important man Tommy was always in a hurry.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Neighbors call in concerned about true nuisances that could affect the enjoyment of their private property.
    Andrew Wimer, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • My wife reminds me that the joys of travel by plane or train far outweigh the nuisances.
    Michel A. Ibrahim, Baltimore Sun, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Some headaches are related to muscle tension and can be triggered by stress.9 Hot showers or baths promote relaxation.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 9 July 2025
  • These can seem like a real headache for a sole trader who does not have an HR department to take care of all this for them.
    Peter Boolkah, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • More than six months into his presidency, Trump has shown increasing frustration with Putin as a ceasefire deal to end the conflict remains out of reach.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 10 July 2025
  • Clark voiced her frustration that one of her teammates wasn’t spending enough time in the gym.
    Elise Devlin, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • During the press tour, Pugh previously discussed pestering Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige in order to be able to jump off the second-tallest building in the world, at 2,227 feet and eclipsed only by the Burj Khalifa.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The app will occasionally pester you to turn smart features back on, though.
    Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bother.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bother. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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