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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bug
Annie Palmer, CNBC, 27 May 2026
Matt was incubating and backing businesses like Resy, betting that New York’s density and culture were features, not bugs.
—Patrick Chun, Fortune, 26 May 2026
Dan Hayes, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
When traveling, the EPA suggests inspecting any room visitors will be staying in for the presence of bed bugs.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bug
Noun
OpenAI, Google and Perplexity have rolled out research tools and agents for shopping, though some of those efforts have stumbled due to technical bugs or challenges with onboarding retailers.
—Annie Palmer, CNBC, 27 May 2026
Matt was incubating and backing businesses like Resy, betting that New York’s density and culture were features, not bugs.
—Patrick Chun, Fortune, 26 May 2026
Verb
Upon arriving at big-league camp this spring, Rojas said the different grip initially bugged him.
—Dan Hayes, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
When traveling, the EPA suggests inspecting any room visitors will be staying in for the presence of bed bugs.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bug
Noun
-
Details such as the relatively few suckers on its arms, its smooth skin, beak features and the coloring around its organs and parts of the mantle indicated a new species, now called Microeledone galapagensis.—
Jeanna Bryner,
Scientific American,
24 May 2026
-
Trimming the suckers, from the first 2 feet above the ground, ensures the plant's energy is focused on the main vines and cucumbers, says Scott.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
That model translates neatly into other chronic areas like metabolic disease and cardiovascular risk, where early intervention and consistent feedback can make measurable differences in outcomes.—
Dr. Peter Fotinos,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
-
Congo says over 100 cases have been confirmed Tracing and isolating Ebola contacts is seen as key to stopping the spread of the disease, which usually manifests as hemorrhagic fever.—
Rodney Muhumuza,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 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
-
This was a club that embraced African players before much of Europe bothered to scout the continent seriously.—
Zohran Mamdani,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
-
In my dream world where Emmys voters bother to watch Bait, Khan is a shoo-in.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The apartment has original hardwood floors, which set the stage for thoughtful modern and vintage furniture; a fiddle leaf fig tree as well as other touches of real plant life on the interior and exterior add to the garden district location to make this stay a plant lover’s haven.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
30 May 2026
-
Outdoor exercise lovers will want to snap up this $14 skort to stay cool while playing pickleball or going for a walk.—
Madeline Merinuk,
PEOPLE,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
Those advocating for a fundamental reset — including Newsom, businesses, cities and counties — say a cottage industry of consultants and attorneys have morphed the claim process to include common ailments such as high blood pressure and toenail fungus.—
Joe Rubin,
Sacbee.com,
28 May 2026
-
Not only that, but Jill said physical ailments were also taking their toll on the career politician.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
It is expected that Mourinho will try to tighten control over leaks concerning internal dressing-room matters, something that has irritated the club this season — and which Alonso sought to tackle.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
-
Key Points Cayenne pepper can deter squirrels by irritating their senses without causing harm.—
Melissa Epifano,
The Spruce,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Anxiety remained high among the school’s teachers and social workers, who worried about sending students away for the break.—
Jourdan Rodrigue,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
My life was in all regards unclouded, sans care or worry.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bug. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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