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
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Recent Examples of fussy
Apple, with its cutting-edge designs and perfectionism, was a pretty fussy and demanding client.
—
Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 17 June 2025
Have a fussy kid who doesn’t want to eat what the rest of the family is ordering?
—Adam Coffey, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Their elevated, but not fussy take on Southern food is truly exceptional.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 14 June 2025
The compressive fabric and neckline work together to enhance smaller busts, while the stretchy material allows for all-day wear without feeling fussy or poking at the skin.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fussy
Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 17 June 2025
Have a fussy kid who doesn’t want to eat what the rest of the family is ordering?
—Adam Coffey, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Their elevated, but not fussy take on Southern food is truly exceptional.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 14 June 2025
The compressive fabric and neckline work together to enhance smaller busts, while the stretchy material allows for all-day wear without feeling fussy or poking at the skin.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fussy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fussy
Adjective
-
Joya was restless, not just her eyes but all of her.—
Jhumpa Lahiri,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
-
But there’s also a fine line between being restless and being reckless, especially as their own record and the ups and downs of others clarify the landscape.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
But momentum — a finicky word this time of year — swung massively in their favour in the third period of Game 4.—
Daniel Nugent-Bowman,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Star Wars fans can be a finicky bunch, but Tony Gilroy has been fearless, much like the series creator George Lucas, in delivering to them.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
If allowed, Andrew will likely bring further reputational damage to the monarchy at a time when the royal ship needs a careful steer.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
-
In reality, Israel overpowered Iran’s military and outwitted its intelligence with stunning efficiency, demonstrating years, if not decades, of careful preparation in under two weeks.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
Princess Eugenie’s dress included ornate cutouts, particularly on the skirt, which featured feminine motifs like flowers and bows intricately designed with symmetry on the linen fabric.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
26 June 2025
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Coffered wood ceilings, intricate crown moldings, detailed light fixtures, and ornate ceiling details can be seen in nearly every room of the house.—
Emma Reynolds,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
But a new wrench is thrown into the works in the form of an irritable downstairs neighbor.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
27 June 2025
-
When a muscle is injured or put under extra stress, myofascial trigger points—basically, irritable spots in the muscle—can form and cause pain.—
Jenny McCoy,
SELF,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
Finding fault that someone is smiling is really picky.—
Ticked Off,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 June 2025
-
Don’t let anyone convince you that having standards is the same as being too picky.—
Anna Pulley,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
After a year and a half, Baltusrol Golf Club’s Upper Course has been reborn through a meticulous $23 million restoration project overseen by golf architect Gil Hanse, one of the hottest names in the design game.—
Erik Matuszewski,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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The Swiss watchmaker released a new Polaris this month, with a handsome ocean gray dial that was handcrafted via a complex process involving 35 layers of lacquer, three different finishes, and meticulous polishing.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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Watching his son evolve from a 4-star recruit out of Columbus High School in Miami to an eventual first-round pick out of Michigan State, Richardson doesn’t get too nervous or overly excited when Jase is on the court.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 June 2025
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But with Wirtz, there was suddenly an effort not to do that; the media got nervous about calling it a record.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fussy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fussy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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