1
as in to worry
to thrust oneself upon (another) without invitation
I am never going to get this work done if people don't stop wandering into the room and bothering me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
it bothers me when obviously sick people go to movies and spend the whole time coughing and sneezing
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to fret
to experience concern or anxiety
just get the basic concept right and don't bother about the details
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4
as in to disturb
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
the boss's cryptic message about changes to the company bothered me
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in hurry
a state of noisy, confused activity
the whole household was in a bother, as our overnight guests were expected to arrive any minute
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nuisance
one who is obnoxiously annoying
the woman next-door is such a bother—always dropping in at the most inopportune moments!
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3
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
returning damaged goods is a real bother
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4
as in frustration
the feeling of impatience or anger caused by another's repeated disagreeable acts
never let his personal bothers interfere with his responsibilities at work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bother
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
29 June 2026
Minutes after Iran played to a thrilling, though for Rezaeian and his teammates heartbreaking, 1-1 draw against Egypt, Rezaeian didn’t bother masking his pain.
—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
28 June 2026
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
2 Mar. 2026
Experts have a long history of torturing us with predictions about how technology will wipe us out, first our jobs and then just getting rid of us altogether because humans are a bother.
—
Peter Cappelli,
Fortune,
28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bother
Verb
Seemingly, no one bothered to check the basement.
—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
29 June 2026
Minutes after Iran played to a thrilling, though for Rezaeian and his teammates heartbreaking, 1-1 draw against Egypt, Rezaeian didn’t bother masking his pain.
—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
28 June 2026
Noun
China holds Tibet without noticeable bother, commits crimes against its Uyghur Muslim minority with impunity, launches acts of aggression against its neighbors in the South China Sea, and growls off any court or tribunal that looks askance—which few do.
—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
2 Mar. 2026
Experts have a long history of torturing us with predictions about how technology will wipe us out, first our jobs and then just getting rid of us altogether because humans are a bother.
—
Peter Cappelli,
Fortune,
28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bother
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bother
Verb
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At 53%, most Americans worry AI could cost them or someone in their household a job, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released in June.
-
The 2025 outbreak was HPAI, and that’s the strain that continues to worry veterinarians and poultry scientists.
Verb
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Damian used to get annoyed with his father's motivational chats about responsibility.
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Three hours before the parade is set to begin, paradegoers are already annoyed at the disorganization and slow-moving lines.
Verb
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He was particularly disturbed by administration officials' attempts to characterize both as domestic terrorists.
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The appeal is largely practical, since powders travel well in a bag, don’t leave hands greasy and can be dusted on without disturbing whatever’s already on your skin.
Noun
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Sorrell entered Week 18 with just seven tackles in 13 games, two quarterback hurries and no sacks.
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That can change in a hurry, as this year’s draft week has proved.
Noun
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And to add insult to social and cultural injury, the new policies also present a logistical nuisance.
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In New York, night clubs were sometimes regarded as a civic nuisance; one obstacle was the city’s cabaret law, from 1926, which required bars to obtain a special permit if patrons were dancing and was not fully repealed until 2017.
Noun
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Intense exercise on a sizzling day can lead to extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping and dehydration, all symptoms of exertional heat illness.
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Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome causes fatigue, fever, muscle aches, abdominal problems, headaches, chills and dizziness in the early stages, and late symptoms include chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath and lungs filling with fluid.
Noun
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This would let traffic flow, which is so necessary for the vitality and economy of Chicago; provide a safer route for bikers; and ease the frustration of all of those on the streets of Chicago.
-
Spence also appears to be absorbing the blame for broader failures, with Thomas Tuchel’s touchline frustrations obvious and — for a player still establishing himself at this level — that scrutiny is unlikely to help.
Verb
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Bonner brought the bull market with him to CSUF, bringing his pressing, pestering and passionate style of play to a fanbase starved for success.
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The character, Günter Van Ellis (Ivan Sherry), is seen pestering Oh Father (Daveed Diggs) and Homelander at the White House.
Cite this Entry
“Bother.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bother. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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