1
as in objections
a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent
she made a fuss over not being picked for the lead role in the play
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in huffs
a state of nervous or irritated concern
the new parents are always in a fuss over whether the baby is dressed warmly enough
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in commotions
a state of noisy, confused activity
the company managed the move into the new building without any undue fuss
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in whines
an expression of dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment
none of the employees dared to make a fuss over having to come to work in the huge snowstorm
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in complains
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely
the eldest daughter is always fussing that she gets stuck with all the chores around the house
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in raves
to make an exaggerated display of affection or enthusiasm
fans fussing over their favorite rock guitarist
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in moans
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
as in drools
to use flattery or the doing of favors in order to win approval especially from a superior
given to fussing over her father whenever she wants a favor or some ready cash
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in worries
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
as in bothers
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
you shouldn't let a little thing like that fuss you
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fusses
Noun
-
When Joseph pops his head into the studio, insisting, over Gordy’s objections, that Michael has taken up too much of his time, Michael hugs Gordy goodbye.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
27 Apr. 2026 -
Hegseth forced out the army chief of staff, General Randy George, a close ally of Driscoll’s, despite Driscoll’s objections.—
Michael Scherer,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
David walks out of the kitchen and Moira huffs and takes his spot over the pot.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
-
As much as Payton bristles about media storylines and huffs about tempo questions, the Broncos went 25 minutes without a first down against Las Vegas.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
22 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Over the past year, men’s ski jumping has been marred by Norway’s cheating scandal and more recent genital manipulation rumors, which has become one of the early commotions of the Milano-Cortina Games.—
Sara Germano,
Sportico.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Lauersdorf is always willing to answer constituent concerns, and never complains, said Heritage Homeowners’ Association vice president Jennifer Samuels in a Facebook post promoting the fundraising effort.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The narrator in Pseudo-Quintilian’s fiction complains of the unfairness of the bout.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Leipold raves about Amachree’s work ethic and ability to pick up KU’s playbook.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The team raves about the hotel’s water pressure, and the waterfall shower lives up to the hype.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The caterer’s dead daughter, Marketa, is sung by Vilma Jää, an ethno-pop performer whose forays into Finnish folk techniques have her slinging her voice up into thrillingly high engine-whines.—
Justin Davidson,
Vulture,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
With irrigation shrinking and solar replacing crops, longtime farmworker Rosa Ramirez worries about disappearing jobs.—
Jeff St. John,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
-
More than anything, Arca worries about safety in the shelter — but not from the war.—
Theia Chatelle,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The timeliness of filing cases bothers him.—
Shelley Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
-
None of that, nor the fact Beckham missed all of 2025, bothers Harbaugh.—
Armando Salguero OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
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.
Cite this Entry
“Fusses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fusses. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
