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worry

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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
During his imprisonment, Corby worries about whether his beloved wife, Emily, and their daughter, Maisie, can ever forgive him. Anita Snow, Boston Herald, 13 June 2025 In the reported audio recording, Diddy urged Jane not to send him any more text messages, worrying that someone could twist the meaning of their communication if intercepted. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 12 June 2025
Noun
Many times, their request is about something deeper—like a fear, deadline or worry. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025 Because of the outsize anticipation, initial reports of delays and extensive rewrites on Season 2 created worries that the series’ intricate narrative puzzle might implode. Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for worry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worry
Verb
  • Gold surged higher this year as investors fretted over the uncertain outlook for tariffs.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 12 June 2025
  • But now, leaders of many of the most prominent companies in the U.S. and around the world are fretting that a trade war could stunt that growth.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • Also on this episode: With Emmy nomination voting ending on Monday, the Roundtable takes one more look at the major categories, how the number of submissions has changed some of the competition and who didn’t bother to join in.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 20 June 2025
  • Orban said in February that organisers should not even bother organizing Pride in Budapest this year.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Staffers were losing access to the agency’s internal payment system, and officials in the Congo were reluctant to authorize an expenditure, for fear that they would be accused of circumventing the executive order.
    Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
  • Last week, Venetians gathered together to protest the couple's upcoming wedding festivities over fears of disruptions in a city that is already impacted by mass tourism.
    Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • But for the first few days, Trump and his team kept stressing that the U.S. was not involved in attacks against Iran.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 18 June 2025
  • Braniff and others are quick to stress the programs overseen by CP3 aren’t a panacea.
    Will Carless, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • As far as improving from the status quo is concerned, this is the best provision in the bill.
    The Editors, National Review, 20 June 2025
  • But there is often a tradeoff between civil liberties and crime prevention and, where minors are concerned, protection must come first.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • When an industry accelerates this fast, anxiety is sure to follow and a growing number of CEOs aren’t asking whether to build with AI.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Survey respondents’ anxiety over unemployment also declined, but a separate measure of employment trends from the Conference Board dipped slightly, reflecting lingering economic uncertainty.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • Throughout the footage, Leah, from Fort Worth, Texas, can be seen fussing Lunch Box and fawning over her sweet foster pup.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • The baby occasionally fussed, and Khalil turned around and smiled at his wife and son.
    Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Later, her sister-in-law texts her, upset that her children were disturbed by her departure.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 11 June 2025
  • Many more are disturbed by the politicization of churches and turned off by dogmas that promote hate and discord, finding religious teachings and traditions to be outdated and incompatible with their values.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Worry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worry. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

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