fuss 1 of 2

noun

ˈfəs How to pronounce fuss (audio)
Definition of fussnext
1
as in objection
a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent she made a fuss over not being picked for the lead role in the play

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2
as in huff
a state of nervous or irritated concern the new parents are always in a fuss over whether the baby is dressed warmly enough

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3
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity the company managed the move into the new building without any undue fuss

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4
as in whine
an expression of dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment none of the employees dared to make a fuss over having to come to work in the huge snowstorm

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fuss

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to complain
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely the eldest daughter is always fussing that she gets stuck with all the chores around the house

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2
as in to rave
to make an exaggerated display of affection or enthusiasm fans fussing over their favorite rock guitarist

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3
as in to quibble
to make often peevish criticisms or objections about matters that are minor, unimportant, or irrelevant the picky eater who fusses over the arrangement of food on his plate or who won't eat the rice if it touches the salad

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4
as in to drool
to use flattery or the doing of favors in order to win approval especially from a superior given to fussing over her father whenever she wants a favor or some ready cash

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5
as in to worry
to experience concern or anxiety there is no use in fussing over things that you can't control

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6
as in to bother
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy you shouldn't let a little thing like that fuss you

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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 fuss
Noun
His parents did not want to cause a fuss and give this bully power over their son by calling him out. — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026 This marks the first time since 2022 that Barca could spend significantly and register players without fuss. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 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 See All Example Sentences for fuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fuss
  1. objection
  2. huff
  3. commotion
  4. whine
  5. complain
  6. rave
  7. quibble
  8. drool
Noun
  • Miltenberg’s objection centers on comments James made before her office was appointed to lead the criminal investigation.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • As for the constant chatter about the unwelcome safety tech, Roma said the objections may be exaggerated.
    — Morgan Korn, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of objection
Noun
  • Devers walked back to the dugout in a huff.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
  • Not everyone feels the same way, however, and some progressive parents and staff are in a huff.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2026
Definition of huff
Noun
  • There’s a lot of commotion swirling around you, and much of the drama may not even involve you directly.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Robin’s younger sister Riverley heard the commotion and ran for help.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of commotion
Noun
  • The mystic whine of Christine Ott and Mathieu Gabry’s score carries us into a hidden world of ancient Thai deities living inside the mountain’s caves and tunnels.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, turbo noise fills the cabin alongside the odd electric motor whine.
    — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of whine
Verb
  • Journalists have complained that the lucrative and high-profile show is not subject to The Atlantic’s editorial rules, input, or oversight — yet a casual listener could easily take it for an Atlantic editorial product.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Kelker-Kelly reportedly had complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive, and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event, police said.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of complain
Verb
  • Jocelyn Bioh is entering the upper echelon of contemporary playwrights, after her current Broadway play, School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play, opened on September 28 to raves.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Some raved about the experience to those in line while others chattered among themselves about their thoughts.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of rave
Verb
  • If the difference between these positions seems far too minor to quibble over, that is, in part, the point.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2026
  • The debtor might quibble over the language of the charging order, but that's about it.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of quibble
Verb
  • All three judges are basically drooling over how much pure quickstep content is in this routine despite some framework issues and the mistake at the end.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Toward the end of the film, that kid is grown up and stuck in an incestuous relationship with his mother, while a nearly incapacitated Dau sits drooling nearby.
    — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of drool

Phrases Containing fuss

Browse Nearby Words

fusions
fuss
fuss (about or over)
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Cite this Entry

“Fuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fuss. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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