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noun

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb bother differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of bother are annoy, irk, and vex. While all these words mean "to upset a person's composure," bother suggests interference with comfort or peace of mind.

don't bother me while I'm reading

In what contexts can annoy take the place of bother?

The words annoy and bother are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, annoy implies a wearing on the nerves by persistent petty unpleasantness.

their constant complaining annoys us

When can irk be used instead of bother?

Although the words irk and bother have much in common, irk stresses difficulty in enduring and the resulting weariness or impatience of spirit.

careless waste irks the boss

When is it sensible to use vex instead of bother?

The synonyms vex and bother are sometimes interchangeable, but vex implies greater provocation and stronger disturbance and usually connotes anger but sometimes perplexity or anxiety.

vexed by her son's failure to clean his room

Examples 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 bother
Verb
Just more than half of Americans, 52 percent, would be bothered by Trump’s effort to suspend some laws and constitutional provisions. Filip Timotija, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2024 The movie doesn’t bother with a backstory — only a photo album and mail addressed to ‘Robert Zimmerman’ nod to his past — and is much better for it. Mariel Turner, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
If the smell of other repellents bothers you, this may be a better option. Adrienne Dellwo, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024 Of course, separating your valuables is a hassle because tracking which valuables are where is a bother. Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bother 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bother
Verb
  • Let Bvlgari Do The Decorating At Bvlgari London, those who book the Bvlgari Suite for Christmas need not worry about bringing any festive décor.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
  • After Thompson was gunned down on a Manhattan sidewalk heading to the company’s investor day, businesses worry their executives face a higher risk of violence.
    Jacob Pramuk, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • You’re annoyed by it all, until the next horde of patrons do the same.
    Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Claire’s dopey jock boyfriend Simon (Charlie Hall) generally annoys her with his requests for sexts and movie nights.
    Courtney Howard, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Warmer waters as a result of climate change and krill harvesting could be disturbing traditional humpback feeding grounds, forcing whales to go farther and farther to find food.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024
  • One was arrested on suspicion of battery on a police officer and disturbing the public’s business, LAPD Sgt.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • On a recent night, the Syrian American activist is in a hurry to get on the road.
    Claire Harbage, NPR, 17 Dec. 2024
  • That salary could triple in a hurry once the pitcher becomes eligible for arbitration.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The cat must be happy in their environment to thrive, so animal coordinators on movie sets must ensure that studio temperature, cast and crew interactions, and the moving of objects aren't a nuisance to the cat.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Muscle cramps can be a nuisance, but there are ways to relieve the pain and discomfort.
    Laura Schober, Health, 8 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • That was until a throbbing headache set in, said Covert, 18.
    Erika Edwards, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Symptoms linked to the mystery disease include fever, headaches, coughing and anemia, raising concerns about the Congo's limited medical infrastructure.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • While frustration has mounted in recent years with Boston’s lack of big moves, reduced payroll and having missed the postseason in five of the last six seasons, the wheels are turning toward contention.
    Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 12 Dec. 2024
  • As Venus and Mars clash, avoid taking frustration out on colleagues.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • For all of his success at the sport’s highest level, Pittsburgh has somehow been Jackson’s kryptonite, pestering him into some of the worst performances of an otherwise Hall of Fame-worthy resume.
    Brian Wacker, Baltimore Sun, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Cobb’s tours were really born out of people pestering him with questions.
    Ani Gasparyan, USA TODAY, 18 July 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near bother

Cite this Entry

“Bother.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bother. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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