worry 1 of 3

Definition of worrynext

worry

2 of 3

noun

worrying

3 of 3

verb (2)

present participle of worry

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
Don’t worry about getting a celebrity or interviewing someone famous. Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 People were worried beforehand about the ticket prices and the stadiums maybe not being full. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 1 July 2026
Noun
Another factor holding back Palo Alto late last year was worries about pricey acquisitions, such as CyberArk. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 1 July 2026 The same research found that about half of respondents report feeling anxious about their finances or having trouble sleeping because of money worries, underscoring why choosing a trustworthy debt relief partner can matter when seeking help. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Verb
Pay once, install it on a compatible PC, and use it without worrying about recurring software fees. Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 28 June 2026 Is the World Cup’s group stage just about getting through, and then worrying about the knockout matches later? Nick Miller, New York Times, 28 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
  • Bell also spoke of the importance of prioritizing communication in their relationship — especially during moments of fear or insecurity.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Our country right now is mired in a level of bullying and intolerance that, for some, might feed their fears, but won’t feed their family.
    Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 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
  • Recent polling from Gallup found that Americans are concerned most about housing and energy prices, including gas.
    Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Carter is concerned by a pop-up power plant under construction in the area to serve a data center.
    Drew Kann, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • And at times members of the congregation thank her and others for casting aside those anxieties and keeping this place going.
    Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • That uncertainty allows anxiety to grow because your brain naturally wants answers that do not yet exist.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 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
  • He was particularly disturbed by administration officials' attempts to characterize both as domestic terrorists.
    Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 1 July 2026
  • The appeal is largely practical, since powders travel well in a bag, don’t leave hands greasy and can be dusted on without disturbing whatever’s already on your skin.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Worry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worry. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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