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Definition of bothernext
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as in to fret
to experience concern or anxiety just get the basic concept right and don't bother about the details

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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noun

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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
What about those who don’t bother to separate the organics or recyclables? Terri Daxon, Oc Register, 28 May 2026 These low-maintenance beauties are drought-tolerant once established and are not bothered by deer. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 May 2026
Noun
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 If even a die-hard Huppert admirer like me has trouble getting through it, why would a casual cinephile bother? Peter Debruge, Variety, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bother
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bother
Verb
  • Considering its reputation and its placement on the World’s Best List, the clientele tends to be very international so those who don’t speak French need not worry.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • Many of his fellow Republicans might find his campaign, as outlined to a reporter Wednesday, to be worrying on closer examination.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Ever been annoyed after Windows setup that your user folder has a weird name?
    Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 28 May 2026
  • The suspension is a nice blend between comfort and sport—the sweet spot where breaks in the asphalt don’t annoy, yet body roll never feels excessive.
    Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Most were for assault of police officers while other allegations include theft, vandalism and disturbing the public order.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 May 2026
  • Regardless, there’s a clear symbolism to Clark empathizing and embracing a bloated externalization of his own inchoate fury until someone with an outside perspective disturbs his peace, and that fury breaks loose and devours him.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • And don’t be in too much of a hurry, the first examples will be delivered from 2028.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 June 2026
  • The first step was to add some weight to that 6-6 frame, and do so in a hurry.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Plaskolite was cited for causing a public nuisance, according to AQMD documents.
    Jason Henry, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
  • When to See a Doctor For the vast majority of new parents, dry skin is a temporary, frustrating nuisance that resolves as your hormones stabilize and your body adjusts to its new rhythm.
    Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • People in the trial reported similar side effects to those from mRNA Covid vaccines — flu-like symptoms including chills and headaches — that only lasted a couple of days.
    Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 1 June 2026
  • That has the potential to cause real headaches for Carolina, especially with how the former two have played.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • Teachers, nurses and doctors across the country regularly sound alarms about being overworked and underfunded, and many end up leaving their public jobs in frustration at impossible conditions.
    Ola Morris Innset, The Dial, 2 June 2026
  • Big Pharma is betting that its messaging machine can outlast public frustration — lawmakers should call their bluff.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • The character, Günter Van Ellis (Ivan Sherry), is seen pestering Oh Father (Daveed Diggs) and Homelander at the White House.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026
  • Fudd played some solid defense early with a quick steal and spent some time pestering Clark.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bother.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bother. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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