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
Music biographies often follow a non-fussy trajectory, rallying their base with nostalgic re-creations of big concert moments and a sturdy timeline that begins with an idol’s birth and ending on a critical juncture in its subject’s life or even death.
—
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025
Gooey butter cake is beloved for its, well, gooey texture and warm, comforting flavors that are decadent but not fussy or overwhelming.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025
Again, economists will be fussy about what can be called an anomaly.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
And while the real thing is a great gift idea for seasoned green thumbs, novice plant owners can still enjoy the look (minus the fussy upkeep) with this faux version that looks surprisingly realistic.
—Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fussy
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025
Gooey butter cake is beloved for its, well, gooey texture and warm, comforting flavors that are decadent but not fussy or overwhelming.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025
Again, economists will be fussy about what can be called an anomaly.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
And while the real thing is a great gift idea for seasoned green thumbs, novice plant owners can still enjoy the look (minus the fussy upkeep) with this faux version that looks surprisingly realistic.
—Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fussy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fussy
Adjective
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This is especially true when your mattress is trapping and holding onto the heat preventing the cooling process that leads to better sleep, and less restless nights.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
11 Nov. 2025
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But the stadium is restless now.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Wispy ’90s bangs are notoriously finicky—they’re so lightweight that the slightest brush against your forehead can leave them greasy and flat.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
2 Nov. 2025
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Orchids might seem like finicky houseplants, but with the proper care, that grocery store stunner can bloom for years and years.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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Step by careful step, Holbrook climbed, holding out bologna and cheese until two pairs of cautious eyes peeked back.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Kempinski Istanbul Housed in an ornate former Ottoman palace on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is the ultimate luxury hotel in Istanbul.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
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Nutcrackercore For those seeking theatrical glamour, Nutcrackercore delivers escapism through ornate decor.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Most cases clear up on their own without complications, but parents should contact a doctor if a child cannot keep fluids down, has a high fever lasting more than a few days or seems unusually drowsy or irritable.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
29 Oct. 2025
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Also known as irritable hip, the condition is due to inflammation of the hip joint lining.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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These easy lasagna recipes make for great dinners that even the pickiest eaters will love.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
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Total Wine & More’s 2025 advent calendar of wine features varietals from all over the world that are sure to please even the pickiest oenophile.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The most meticulous work on this subject was carried out by David Noble, a historian of technology.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
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Ramon is known for making meticulous in-court analyses for bail and custody decisions.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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In 2024, Mark looked nervous watching Grace compete in a horse show.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
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Senior dogs, puppies, or nervous rescues may require specialized care.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fussy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fussy. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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