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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

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 bother
Verb
Collins was hot and bothered with the Big Ten for multiple reasons, but the hotel situation kept his rhetoric boiling throughout his postgame news conference. Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025 That bogey did not bother him as the former Clemson Tiger made his fourth birdie to turn in 33. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
Seeing that Orlando could win games without him, and later without the Wagner bothers, kept Banchero’s spirits up. Josh Robbins, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 Practically speaking, this can include: Finding The Right Balance Of User Convenience And Data Security As mentioned above, a major cause of users setting overly wide access permissions is to avoid the bother of addressing subsequent individual access requests. Adam Gavish, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for bother
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bother
Verb
  • Don't worry so much about what percentage of credit each contact point should receive.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • According to Schwartz, the Sierra Nevada saw above-average snowfall over the previous two water years, so there’s no reason to worry about the slight drop in snowfall in 2025.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacramento Bee, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • With Connecticut facing the possibility of exceeding the cap by $61 million, Lamont is reining in spending, annoying some liberal Democrats who note that the state is simultaneously looking at a budget surplus.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Also keeping with that theme are tons of Marvel references to the point that Mara (who starred in 2015’s Fantastic Four) was likely getting annoyed.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Crimping is the process of severing a crop at the base and laying it over to create a decomposing thatch/mulch layer for the garden without disturbing the soil.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
  • For example, museums could provide different audio guides to visitors without headphones, and libraries could allow students to study with audio lessons without disturbing others.
    Jiaxin Zhong, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Without a truly dominant interior presence, this is what can separate the Huskies in a hurry.
    Chantel Jennings, The Athletic, 17 Mar. 2025
  • On the other hand, Walter Clayton Jr. is equally as capable of putting up points in a hurry.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • While some travelers may view passing through the security line as a nuisance, TSA plays a critical role in the safety of traveling throughout the U.S. – and their work expands far beyond airports.
    Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Along with claims of trespass and nuisance, Energy Transfer alleges that Greenpeace defamed the company to its financial backers.
    Jennifer Safstrom, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Avantree Cord Organizer $7 at Amazon Cord clutter is a universal travel headache.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2025
  • While blazes like this one can be a major headache for people, fire is also a critical part of South Florida’s ecosystem — particularly the Everglades.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Kurt’s key takeaways Taking a few minutes to protect your data and devices today can save you hours of frustration, heartache and financial loss tomorrow.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Gottlieb went on to clearly express frustration on being the number four No. 1 seed selected.
    Allison Smith, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • After all, Gretzky once pestered the late Gordie Howie in a similar manner.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The Pistons’ defense continued to pester the Spurs, allowing one field goal through the final 5:59 in the third quarter.
    Hunter Patterson, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bother.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bother. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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