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
But all of that felt a little fussy for something that should just have one job.
—
Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 May 2025
Children with the virus may be fussy, sleepy throughout the day and cry without tears.
—Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
Instead of all the pomp and circumstance, chef Mario Valles is now turning out a French-Mediterranean menu that’s elegant and luxurious (morels, foie gras) without being fussy.
—Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Eliana's current favorite read is Birds of New Zealand, but Rad said that her daughter is not fussy, exploring everything from poetry to novels.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fussy
Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 May 2025
Children with the virus may be fussy, sleepy throughout the day and cry without tears.
—Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
Instead of all the pomp and circumstance, chef Mario Valles is now turning out a French-Mediterranean menu that’s elegant and luxurious (morels, foie gras) without being fussy.
—Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Eliana's current favorite read is Birds of New Zealand, but Rad said that her daughter is not fussy, exploring everything from poetry to novels.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fussy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fussy
Adjective
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As alcohol metabolizes, typically over four to five hours, your brain experiences a rebound effect, leading to fragmented, restless sleep in the latter half of the night.—
Dr. Samanta Dall’Agnese,
CNBC,
13 May 2025
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My protagonist drinks to dull the sharp edges of motherhood, to quiet the restless ache of unmet expectations, and to grasp at the fleeting illusion of control in a life that often feels anything but.—
Jessica Guerrieri,
People.com,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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Switching brands is easy, and customers are more finicky than ever.—
Shep Hyken,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
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But the spring portal can also be particularly finicky.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The review process is careful for a reason – and perhaps the only real method of speeding it up is the one Zeldin has proposed: reassigning staff so there are more people to share the work.—
Jeffrey Gore,
The Conversation,
14 May 2025
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Hillman and the department urged residents in the area to be extra careful this time of year.—
Brooke Baitinger,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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On March 25, 2024, Homeland Security agents used an armored vehicle to storm the ornate front gate at the rap mogul's estate on uber-exclusive Star Island while executing a search warrant on the property, according to testimony from Homeland Security Special Agent Gerard Gannon, who led the raid.—
Janelle Griffith,
People.com,
21 May 2025
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Meghan and Prince Harry first tied the knot in May 2018 in an ornate ceremony at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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Sometimes gratitude came easily, such as when Deb helped their kids, who were picky eaters, become more adventurous.—
Rhaina Cohen,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2025
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Although Noel is a little undersized for the position, the Bills haven’t been picky about those measurables in the Z receiver position in the past.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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No matter how meticulous evidence is gathered, its value can diminish without transparent, comprehensive reporting.—
Beth Worthy,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
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None of these answers are dull or obscure, which is the result of meticulous word list grooming and a high standard for fill.—
Deb Amlen,
New York Times,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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The Trump administration became increasingly nervous at the prospect of a major war erupting in one of the most populous places on the planet.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2025
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A little nervous at first, Harry does well calling the boat in.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fussy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fussy. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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