fussy

adjective

ˈfə-sē How to pronounce fussy (audio)
Definition of fussynext
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?"

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in finicky
hard to please cats have a well-deserved reputation for being fussy eaters

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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

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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

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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 The decor is not overly fussy or formal, but rather relaxed and refined. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 July 2026 Shades of blue, crisp linens, simple glass accents, and fresh white orchids came together to create a tablescape that’s elegant without feeling fussy. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026 General Considerations Some herbs are easy and prolific while others are fussy, short-lived, or require special growing conditions. — Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026 Under Walsh’s witty direction, all four deliver pitch-perfect comedic performances in this frothy farce, which is full of mistaken identities, exaggerated infatuations and fussy social norms. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fussy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fussy
  1. restless
  2. finicky
  3. careful
  4. ornate
  5. irritable
  6. picky
  7. meticulous
  8. nervous
Adjective
  • For instance, while journeying through the depths of Pisces, Luna will clash with Uranus in Gemini this afternoon, triggering a restless undercurrent that can make routines, restrictions and other people’s expectations all the more irritating.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
  • The natives are restless, but as far as I (or anyone else, for that matter) can tell, leadership doesn't seem to be in a big rush to show Dabo the door.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of restless
Adjective
  • While Michael King struggled to finish off finicky and plucky Diamondbacks hitters, the real issue and the real worry was on the other side of the ball.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • With about 1,200 total producers in Barolo and 425 in Barbaresco—both of which make wine using the finicky Nebbiolo grape—very few grow grapes and make wine in both appellations.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of finicky
Adjective
  • South Korea’s finance minister has apologized for launching the riskier products without careful consideration.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Regulators have been careful to note that the action targets concentrated and synthetic products, not natural leaf containing trace amounts.
    — Jesse M. Pines, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • As for finishing touches, Saldaña wore a pair of Aquazzura white pointed toe pumps with ornate cutouts.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
  • Overly grand staircases and ornate rail details are both considered outdated by designers.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 30 July 2026
Definition of ornate
Adjective
  • Whether a balanced market can be achieved with competing cartels will be an interesting experiment in a sometimes-irritable trade relationship.
    — Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Just as Depp made to exit the stage, a haunting voice came over the speaker, eerily repeating the irritable man’s name.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 23 July 2026
Definition of irritable
Adjective
  • Queen conchs are picky about their habitats Queen conchs are large marine gastropods, and can be found throughout the Caribbean Sea, around Bermuda and in the Florida Keys.
    — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 31 July 2026
  • Plus, there’s something about being part of the process of buying (or growing) the ingredients and preparing a recipe that piques the curiosity of even the pickiest eater and tempts them to take a bite.
    — Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 25 July 2026
Definition of picky
Adjective
  • The meticulous renovation of Gresham Palace, which opened as a Four Seasons in 2006, set the bar high for the numerous other restoration jobs currently underway.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Its longevity stems from Stone's focus on a supportive team culture, direct sourcing from regenerative farms, and meticulous waste management to preserve tight margins.
    — Esha Chhabra, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of meticulous
Adjective
  • Because people are nervous that Tesla’s robotaxi is going to completely take over the autonomous-vehicle market and mobility overall.
    — Fortune Editors, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • For anyone nervous about bringing up price, Bascombe says preparation is the best confidence booster.
    — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of nervous

Browse Nearby Words

fusspots
fussy
fustian
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Cite this Entry

“Fussy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fussy. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of fussy for Spanish Speakers

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