fuss 1 of 2

Definition of fussnext
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fuss

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verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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
Yannick Nézét-Séguin let the prelude speak with minimal fuss, then unspooled the rest of the score with total control, pulling the thread taut, relaxing it, and increasing the tension again, until by the end the orchestra bloomed into rapture. Justin Davidson, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026 Salmon is an increasingly popular fish that’s easy to prepare at home with minimal fuss. Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
Jurgensen, Hall of Fame linebacker Sam Huff and play-by-play man Frank Herzog would fuss and laugh while both rooting for and criticizing the burgundy and gold. Barry Wilner, Baltimore Sun, 6 Feb. 2026 Emma looked around, confused at the adults fussing around him and too young, perhaps, to grasp the severity of the scene. Maeva Bambuck, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fuss
Noun
  • Thanks to its modular and distinctly unmilitary design, the U-2 fit the bill and sidestepped the Air Force's objections when the command of the operation went to the CIA.
    David Szondy March 29, New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026
  • As long as dogs are well cared for, there shouldn’t be any objection.
    Ed Sayres, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Among agonized grunts and huffs, Probst narrated the fumbles.
    Sarah Grant, New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2026
  • David walks out of the kitchen and Moira huffs and takes his spot over the pot.
    Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Despite the initial commotion, Julie’s case went cold.
    Annalise Peterson, NBC news, 21 Mar. 2026
  • During the commotion, Gamel Kheir, the mosque’s secretary, pleaded for calm.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Village sounds of chickens and goats were pierced by the distant whine of commercial jets climbing out of Agadir’s international airport.
    Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026
  • No suspicious whine in the air, no burning of pungent oils to put off biters.
    Antonia Quirke, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Afterward, a student in the audience complained to his parents that, at the event, the deaths of Palestinian civilians had been characterized as collateral damage—a regrettable but unavoidable consequence of the battle against Hamas.
    Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The driver and passenger in the BMW complained of pain.
    Brandon Downs, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Coaches praise each other Hoiberg raved about the job McCollum has done in his first season at Iowa and throughout his career.
    Kristie Rieken, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
  • At 21 years old the hype train is rolling in the game of baseball as everyone (front office, scouts, coaches and players) continues to rave about the outfielder.
    Dan Roche, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • While facelift surgeons quibble over semantics and what truly distinguishes one method from another, ultimately, all modern facelifts adjust the SMAS (muscle layer) in some way.
    Jolene Edgar, Allure, 16 Mar. 2026
  • During a debate Tuesday, some lawmakers quibbled over whether the bill would infringe on the free market.
    Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • These plants contain cardiac glycosides, which can cause unpleasant symptoms for dogs and cats alike, such as drooling, diarrhea, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rhythm, and even some neurologic signs.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Chewing on the bulbs can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, profuse drooling and burns to the mouth.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Fuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fuss. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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