NUISANCE Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

nuisance

noun

ˈnü-sᵊn(t)s

Definition of nuisance

as in annoyance

one who is obnoxiously annoying the new neighbor is threatening to become a nuisance, dropping in on us several times a day

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in headache

something that is a source of irritation folding up this map correctly is such a nuisance

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 nuisance Attorneys for the Bloomfield group have argued that the building behind the Pyles does not create a nuisance. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026 But for some residents, they are seen as a nuisance, with unwieldy roots or too many leaves to rake up. — Kendra Nordin Beato, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Oct. 2026 But coyotes, with their abundant numbers and reputation as nuisances, are not. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026 For retirees and those approaching retirement, RMDs are not just an administrative nuisance. — Ronald Stair, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nuisance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nuisance

Noun

During the hearing, Reyes frequently exhibited frustration and annoyance.

— Rachel Treisman, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026
That borough that continues to capture the national imagination — a site of envy for some, of deep annoyance and hatred for others.

— Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of annoyance

Noun

The biggest headache for Thune was the Save America Act, a voter ID bill that lacked a strategy to become law in the Senate.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
In Meta’s case, creepy video-recording incidents and privacy-light tampering have caused severe headaches for the company.

— Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of headache

Noun

All participating growers had nutrient management plans, used integrated pest management and incorporated beneficial insects into their pest management programs.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
However, infested areas should be treated by pest control, the CDC says.

— Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of pest

Noun

The Dodgers have been a thorn in the Brewers side, but this season feels a bit different.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Cue an enthralling chase sequence, doubling back through those higgledy-piggledy Portland streetscapes, toward the woods — the impenetrable thickets and thorns of which magically part in her presence.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of thorn

Noun

Nodules can be caused by a variety of factors including scar tissue, lung irritants, inflammatory conditions, current or past infections, or cancer.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Their wavelike motion helps move around germs, mucus, dust, and other irritants so the body can dispel them via coughing or sneezing.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of irritant

Noun

The Tkachuk bothers have united in Florida, which could give the league a marketing opportunity that breaks through to more casual sports fans who don’t follow the NHL on a regular basis.

— Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Saving Parini the bother of canceling the interview, Borges gamely offers to join him on a road trip to Orkney.

— Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of bother

Noun

Demonstrators expressed widespread frustration and anger at the government as gasoline, energy and food prices have spiked in recent months.

— SYLVIE CORBET, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
That's despite voter frustration over high prices and the Iran war, and his own challenge of leading one of narrowest House majorities in modern times.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of frustration

Browse Nearby Words

nuggets

nuisance

nuisances

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Nuisance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nuisance. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of nuisance

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on nuisance

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes