bug 1 of 2

noun

ˈbəg How to pronounce bug (audio)
Definition of bugnext
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

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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

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bug

2 of 2

verb

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

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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?

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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
Noun
Under Mulch Squash bugs, slugs, snails, and various sorts of grubs prefer cozier hiding places like the thick layers of mulch spread throughout your garden. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 6 Nov. 2026 OpenAI compared the 948 vulnerabilities with historical Linux kernel bug bounty payouts from Pwn2Own and TyphoonPWN. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
As a Bears fan, McDermott doesn’t want to disrupt the team and bug McCaskey or Warren too much. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026 Irwin is uncertain if the second infestation of bed bugs last weekend were ones that weren’t caught the first time, or if a person brought new bed bugs in. — Susan Bromley, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bug
  1. sucker
  2. disease
  3. annoy
  4. bother
  5. lover
  6. ailment
  7. irritate
  8. worry
Noun
  • How could anyone in the military support a repulsive, draft-dodging coward who called dead soldiers suckers and losers?
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The theory seems to be that there will always be another crop of suckers willing to pump money into the ecosystem, so the market will provide.
    — Joseph Kahn, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of sucker
Noun
  • Along with treatment for eligible accidents and illnesses, the policy covers veterinary exam fees, hereditary and congenital conditions, dental diseases, behavioral issues and alternative therapies.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • There have been periods when the human population declined because of wars or epidemics, such as the Black Death, in the fourteenth century, or the diseases brought by Europeans to the Americas in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
    — Jesús Fernández-Villaverde, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of disease
Verb
  • Raymond Lopez, alderman of Chicago’s 15th Ward, told the station that the other driver appeared to be annoyed about something that happened several blocks back.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Studio executives who annoyed her might find their films receiving tepid coverage.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of annoy
Verb
  • In fact, the movie doesn’t even bother revealing Fang’s ultimate fate; but then again, he’s been fully vindicated in the court of public opinion, so who cares?
    — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Nothing shows the world that the outside noise doesn’t bother you quite like preparing a statement ahead of time about how much the outside noise doesn’t bother you.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of bother
Noun
  • But only recently has America’s Finest City emerged as a culinary mecca where savvy food lovers come in search of their next great meal.
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • As holiday season approaches, the TIME team has pulled out a selection of 10 best game and play items from the list that would make a perfect gift for the parents, little ones, and fun-lovers in your life.
    — TIME Staff, Time, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of lover
Noun
  • Right-hander Ben Brown underwent cervical spine surgery Monday in New York to address the recurring neck ailment that ended his stellar season in mid-June.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
  • And there’s reason to believe there might have been one or two more ailments.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of ailment
Verb
  • That mismatch can lead to issues ranging from irritating residue to expensive repairs.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2026
  • These extra steps are irritating, as non-Amazon ereaders tend to be much more forgiving when loading your own media.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of irritate
Verb
  • Sonia Cotto, a 12-year resident of South Middle River, is among neighbors worried about what could come next after Covenant House purchased four nearby lots.
    — Ted Scouten, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Center Theatre Group says the bookings reflect limited tour options and the need to keep the Ahmanson’s 2,000 seats filled; critics worry financial pressures are eroding its values.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of worry

Phrases Containing bug

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buffs
bug
bugaboo
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Cite this Entry

“Bug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bug. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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