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fuss

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verb

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as in to rave
to make an exaggerated display of affection or enthusiasm fans fussing over their favorite rock guitarist

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to quibble
to make often peevish criticisms or objections about matters that are minor, unimportant, or irrelevant the picky eater who fusses over the arrangement of food on his plate or who won't eat the rice if it touches the salad

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to worry
to experience concern or anxiety there is no use in fussing over things that you can't control

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 fuss
Noun
Straightaway’s 12 Nights of Cocktails calendar would be a welcome offering for any drinks lover in your life who’d appreciate the gift of 12 iconic cocktails, without the fuss of actually making them or acquiring all of the ingredients to do so. Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 Oct. 2025 Fortunately, the BreezyClear Pro is equipped to address all the baby’s needs from the beginning to the end of the decongestion process; by briefly misting the nasal passages, the device loosens mucus so its powerful suction can remove it quickly and without fuss. Ethan Stone, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
With five blades sandwiched between two moisturizing bars, this razor speeds up the entire process (no fussing around with shaving cream), nourishing dry skin and making nicks a rare occurrence. Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025 Others might tell you that hosting an awards show is a thankless gig, but Bargatze doesn’t seem fussed. Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fuss
Noun
  • No one in an NFL building is going to raise an objection when team brass decides to honor team ownership.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
  • This was an objection that was raised in the ancient world, and that persisted through the time of Galileo.
    Big Think, Big Think, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Lloyd evaded a diving Mahomes, Kareem Hunt and a streaking Tyquan Thornton for a huff-and-puff 99-yard interception return for a touchdown.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Kemp looked at the ceiling and blew a huff of air when Schwartz announced the sentence.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • But these aren’t the only cups causing a commotion.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Actual Vancouverites barely stood by to watch the commotion.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Deciphering the vocalizations involves both sound and context, as a dog’s bark or whine may be tied to its situation, Zhu said.
    Miriam Fauzia, Boston Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The unfiltered electric soundtrack of the Evija goes from a piercing whine to an ear-splitting shriek.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In recent years, staff have complained of poor working conditions brought on by overcrowding, despite director Laurence des Cars’s 2023 move to cap attendance at 30,000 visitors daily, accompanied by a ticket price increase.
    News Desk, Artforum, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Later that day, the parents of other dancers and talent-show participants complained that my afro had covered up their kids on-screen.
    Questlove, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • One 4-foot-11 Amazon shopper even raved that the pants were the perfect length on their petite frame, proving that not all matching sets are made equal.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Only in 2025 did the cornerback start to receive some defensive snaps – most of his prior appearances had been on special teams – yet coaches and players have raved about his ability.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Those specific numbers can obviously be quibbled with.
    Aaron Gleeman, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Joy Randolph and John Early, as the two Afterlife Coordinators, have a quibbling charisma, but the movie should have done more with all its possible versions of paradise, figuring out how to use them comedically instead of just as easy punchlines.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CWD can take months to years for symptoms to appear, which could include drastic weight loss, stumbling or lack of coordination, drooling and listlessness.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Naturally, the post attracted over 16,000 comments of women drooling over him.
    Essence, Essence, 20 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Fuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fuss. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

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