1
as in restless
given to complaining a lot
predictably, the kids riding in the back were fussy passengers, always asking "Are we there yet?"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in finicky
hard to please
cats have a well-deserved reputation for being fussy eaters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in careful
taking, showing, or involving great care and effort
a fussy teacher who reads through papers two and even three times before issuing a grade
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in ornate
elaborately and often excessively decorated
the room, with its rococo furniture and its overabundance of knickknacks, is just too fussy for my taste
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 fussy
This is a modern American restaurant with playful seasonal tasting menus that start at $135, a good value for those who want a fine-dining experience that isn’t overly fussy on the Strip.
—
Andy Wang, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Although anyone can injure a baby in a moment of frustration, most prevention research has focused specifically on helping parents understand why infants cry or become fussy.
—Lori Frasier, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
The result is that his pictures don’t feel fussy or over-serious.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
Mangold’s non-fussy treatment of a slice of Dylan history was enjoyable but slight.
—Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fussy
Andy Wang, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Although anyone can injure a baby in a moment of frustration, most prevention research has focused specifically on helping parents understand why infants cry or become fussy.
—Lori Frasier, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025
The result is that his pictures don’t feel fussy or over-serious.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
Mangold’s non-fussy treatment of a slice of Dylan history was enjoyable but slight.
—Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fussy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fussy
Adjective
-
At one point, the crowd in Los Angeles was growing restless, Ms. Reese said, with people pushing one another to reach the front.—
Alisha Haridasani Gupta,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Last weekend, the sun was particularly restless, unleashing eight M-class solar flares between Friday and Monday.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But the spring portal can also be particularly finicky.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Keep in mind: Shipping fresh flowers can be finicky, especially to hundreds of stores across the country.—
Andrea Beck,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This careful search led Phan's team to a single object, a tiny dot in the infrared data.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
1 May 2025
-
Her empathetic approach and careful unfolding of Dean’s story — particularly the bond between mother and son — reflect the very best of British documentary filmmaking.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Its once-rich timber and cotton shipping industries gave the town a big boom during the mid 19th century, and the resulting ornate Victorian homes and grand architecture are stunning vestiges of that time.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Upon its arrival at your table, a server will present for inspection an ornate silver dagger, pull it with a flourish from its curved sheath, and proceed to saw off the head of the Mother at approximately her Tropic of Cancer.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
It is believed to reduce pain and inflammation, and has been used for treatment of back pain, high blood pressure, arthritis, migraines, and irritable bowel disease.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
4 Apr. 2025
-
And even in what was a stilted match played in an increasingly irritable atmosphere, Rogers and Tielemans delivered with an assist each.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The Seahawks might continue to be picky and bypass selecting a quarterback later this month.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
-
For picky eaters, Beaches has a Culinary Concierge who can work with guests with autism to create custom menus.—
Jamie Davis Smith,
AFAR Media,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Transforming an interview dilemma into an eight-figure brand, Jenny Lei is building Freja New York with meticulous intention while redefining what luxury means in the vegan accessories space.—
Angela Lei,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
-
Her meticulous research and historical erudition are legendary, and her belief in the magic of fashion is unwavering.—
Laird Borrelli-Persson,
Vogue,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Dellow was nervous about rush hour traffic, but the Uber dropped Nikishin off at 6:45 p.m. at the airport.—
Peter Baugh,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
-
Your younger colleague is nervous about each conversation.—
Jay Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fussy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fussy. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share