fuss 1 of 2

Definition of fussnext
1
2
3
4

fuss

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to rave
to make an exaggerated display of affection or enthusiasm fans fussing over their favorite rock guitarist

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
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

4
5
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

6

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
Think fine-dining without the fuss (the interior is midcentury modern-chic without a white tablecloth in sight)—plus an impressive cheese trolley that’s worth indulging in. Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026 The fight over attribution Why is there so much fuss about scientific advice to judges? ArsTechnica, 12 June 2026
Verb
Your son is fussing in his car seat. Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026 Jurgensen, Hall of Fame linebacker Sam Huff and play-by-play man Frank Herzog would fuss and laugh while both rooting for and criticizing the burgundy and gold. Barry Wilner, Baltimore Sun, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fuss
Noun
  • The most reasonable objection to this view is that resilience returns are too diffuse to underwrite, that avoided losses do not show up in a project’s revenue line the way tolls or tariffs do.
    Ravi S. Bhalla, Fortune, 13 June 2026
  • In reality, his rise happened despite the objections of many party insiders, not because of them.
    Matthew Shelter, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • Rhodes celebrated with the crowd at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, while Gunther walked back up the entrance ramp in a huff.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
  • David walks out of the kitchen and Moira huffs and takes his spot over the pot.
    Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Then there was silence, followed by sounds of a commotion.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • While most of those visitors are coming with good intentions, there’s always the possibility that bad actors will take advantage of the crowds and commotion to cause damage and inflict harm.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • Test recordings sounded clear and full, and the noise cancellation completely blocked out the buzz and whine of my 3D printer.
    Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 14 June 2026
  • Lee's voice has always been Sui generis, a distinctive instrument caught between a whine and a yelp yet immediately recognizable.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Trump has frequently complained that Obama’s deal included the transport of cash from the US to Iran.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
  • Plus, who can complain when the gorgeous Block Island — which, unlike Rhode Island, is actually an island — is described as New England’s Caribbean?
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Customers raved over the biscuits, shrimp and grits, griddle burger and brunch.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2026
  • Regulars rave about the tomato pie and the lemon bars.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Some handicappers quibble about his jockey (Luis Saez has never won the Kentucky Derby) or his margin of victory (a nose) at Gulfstream Park.
    Peter Keating, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • The location, gorgeous skyline view and broad strokes of the project offer plenty of intrigue — offer less to quibble with than, say, a Crossroads District plan that never moved past the to-be-determined stage of displacing local businesses.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This pitching matchup will have the purists drooling.
    Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
  • Familiarize yourself with common signs of heat intolerance, such as excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, weakness or blueish gums.
    Amy DeYoung, USA Today, 9 June 2026

Cite this Entry

“Fuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fuss. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on fuss

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster