nuisance

noun

ˈnü-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce nuisance (audio)
Definition of nuisancenext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 The suits say continuous noise from data centers’ cooling systems and power generators is substantially interfering with local neighbors’ use and enjoyment of their property — a legal standard for proving a private nuisance. — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026 Here are some tips for protecting shrubs from this foraging nuisance. — Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 9 Sep. 2026 Alas, by disguising themselves in earthling form, these superior beings must submit themselves to the worst indignities of the human condition — namely the frequent need to go to the bathroom and the constant nuisance of dealing with emotions. — Cortlyn Kelly, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026 The petition sought to classify data centers as industrial nuisances, arguing that a ban would protect residents’ property and preserve city resources, such as water and electricity. — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nuisance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nuisance
  1. annoyance
  2. headache
  3. pest
  4. thorn
  5. tease
  6. irritant
  7. bother
  8. frustration
Noun
  • While some experts cite the threat of civilian drones being equipped to deliver explosives or chemical or biological agents, authorities and defense executives say the more common risk is annoyance and interruption.
    — Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026
  • For the majority of those living away from the coast, say west of I-95, this will not be a memorable storm but more of an annoyance.
    — Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of annoyance
Noun
  • For anyone living in a household where someone snores, wakes up with headaches or drags through the day, Jack Black’s candid podcast conversation about his CPAP machine offers a familiar reference point.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026
  • People infected with typhus typically develop symptoms within one to two weeks, which may include a fever, headache, rash and body aches.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of headache
Noun
  • Bats are invaluable in agriculture, gorging on pests that target crops — corn earworms, brown stink bugs, cucumber beetles and more.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Some populations of the insect use hawthorn fruits, rather than apples, to complete their life cycle and are not considered significant agricultural pests.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of pest
Noun
  • More recently, Hannah Hidalgo has been a thorn in the Huskies’ sides, though UConn got past ND in the Elite Eight last March.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Oil, which in recent weeks has been a thorn in the stock market's side, provided the first source of relief Monday.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of thorn
Noun
  • The final exchange is honestly the strangest and teases what’s in store for this week’s SNL episode.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026
  • After its pilot tease, Lanterns finally moves into 2026, while staying tethered to some part of its Manhunter mystery.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of tease
Noun
  • 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
  • The outcomes are shrouded in mystery, a particular irritant for leadership teams obsessed with data and clarity.
    — Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of irritant
Noun
  • 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
  • My number was a bother to my friends because of the two zeros.
    — Murr Brewster, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of bother
Noun
  • At stake are the biggest sources of frustration for both sides.
    — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
  • In addition to his frustration with Harry and Meghan’s current royal status, William is said to be furious about their finances.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of frustration

Browse Nearby Words

nuggets
nuisance
nuisances
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Cite this Entry

“Nuisance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nuisance. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nuisance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nuisance

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