worry 1 of 2

Definition of worrynext

worry

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb worry contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of worry are annoy, harass, harry, pester, plague, and tease. While all these words mean "to disturb or irritate by persistent acts," worry implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation.

pursued a policy of worrying the enemy

When can annoy be used instead of worry?

The words annoy and worry are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, annoy implies disturbing one's composure or peace of mind by intrusion, interference, or petty attacks.

you're doing that just to annoy me

When is harass a more appropriate choice than worry?

The meanings of harass and worry largely overlap; however, harass implies petty persecutions or burdensome demands that exhaust one's nervous or mental power.

harassed on all sides by creditors

When would harry be a good substitute for worry?

While the synonyms harry and worry are close in meaning, harry may imply heavy oppression or maltreatment.

the strikers had been harried by thugs

When could pester be used to replace worry?

The words pester and worry can be used in similar contexts, but pester stresses the repetition of petty attacks.

constantly pestered with trivial complaints

In what contexts can plague take the place of worry?

Although the words plague and worry have much in common, plague implies a painful and persistent affliction.

plagued all her life by poverty

When is it sensible to use tease instead of worry?

In some situations, the words tease and worry are roughly equivalent. However, tease suggests an attempt to break down one's resistance or rouse to wrath.

children teased the dog

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 worry
Verb
Algorithms reward constant and fresh engagement, so marketers worry that leaning on AI makes their content sound robotic, a real risk when authenticity is what makes brands work on social media. Ashley Hass, The Conversation, 24 June 2026 Turbulence in Asian tech stocks spread to Wall Street, with investors worried about rate hikes, massive spending, and overvaluation. Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 24 June 2026
Noun
That's considered a critical advantage as data centers worldwide grapple with artificial intelligence's enormous power demands, with local communities expressing increasing worry over the consequences of the facilities. CBS News, 25 June 2026 The worry is not the best paper. Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for worry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worry
Verb
  • But the recent action on Anthropic, as well as asking OpenAI to limit its own newest model, comes after experts have fretted for months that Mythos could pose a security risk by giving hackers and other bad actors access to AI capable of finding and exploiting vulnerabilities exceptionally quickly.
    Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
  • Copilot has struggled, and Microsoft’s shares are down double-digits in the past year as investors have fretted over AI’s impact on software, Microsoft’s reliance on OpenAI, and its heavy data center spending.
    Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • For all the chatter about his choices in handbags, Haaland doesn’t seem remotely bothered.
    Teddy Brown, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • What bothers me is the foot-dragging, the spinning in circles, the slow degradation of these characters into annoying stereotypes.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • With the end of the month fast approaching, the migrant exodus has continued as fear of further mob attacks spreads through poor neighborhoods and informal settlements.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
  • Agents from Hawthorne to Manhattan Beach, Venice and Santa Monica report early inquiries on $5-million-plus properties, raising fears of speculative price spikes and even tighter inventory.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • As in previous days, officials stressed that time is running out for survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
  • Officials stress that there is no public safety threat, but a heavy police presence remains in the area.
    Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • On Election Day, Schlossberg was campaigning out in the rain despite the concerning polls, hearing stories from passersby about their Kennedy encounters over the years and taking selfies with starstruck supporters.
    Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
  • One of the increasingly concerning threats is drones, which can be piloted remotely and are difficult to disable.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • If that conversation also seems too anxiety-provoking, focus on modes of communication that do feel accessible to you.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
  • The resulting anxiety and panic are an unfortunate side effect of a banner year for fireworks shows.
    Bill Chappell, NPR, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Yes, teaching by example is often a better way of handling a challenge than fussing about it.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
  • No need to fuss-up something that's just as delicious prepared simply.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 June 2026
Verb
  • The first trailer stars Keitel drinking in a bar, while the second sees DeVito’s sleep getting disturbed by a phone call.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2026
  • What a depressing, disturbing waste, no matter the final verdict.
    Bob Wojnowski, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Worry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worry. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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