1
as in disease
an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning
hoping that the doctor will be able to accurately diagnose my trouble
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in threat
something that may cause injury or harm
that wild dog is trouble, so stay away
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in problem
something that requires thought and skill for resolution
the police officers first broke up the fight and then asked what the trouble was
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in effort
the active use of energy in producing a result
please, don't go to all that trouble just for me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in risk
the state of not being protected from injury, harm, or evil
if you think your brother might be in trouble, then let's go check up on him
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to worry
to experience concern or anxiety
don't trouble about me—I'll be fine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to bother
to cause discomfort to or trouble for
I hate to trouble you, but would you mind moving for a minute so I can sweep under your chair?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 trouble
Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 1 May 2026
Data-scraping-scrutiny aside, troubles exist for Temu elsewhere, too.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
Stephen Edelstein, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
Labor historian James Green noted that of all the violence against workers at the time, none shocked the nation or troubled its collective conscience more than the Ludlow massacre because of the deaths of children.
—Robert Forrant, The Conversation, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for trouble
Noun
The album may boast sharper songcraft and even clearer-eyed revolutionary politics, but Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí are still the same boys from West Belfast, making good trouble to hold bad actors to account.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 1 May 2026
Data-scraping-scrutiny aside, troubles exist for Temu elsewhere, too.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
Verb
The i7 models see bigger increases, but the $106,200 starting price for the i7 50 xDrive and $126,250 starting price for the i7 60 xDrive (again, with destination) probably won’t trouble the target audience.
—Stephen Edelstein, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
Labor historian James Green noted that of all the violence against workers at the time, none shocked the nation or troubled its collective conscience more than the Ludlow massacre because of the deaths of children.
—Robert Forrant, The Conversation, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for trouble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trouble
Noun
-
Hantavirus disease is considered rare, with 890 cases reported in the United States between 1993 and 2023.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
-
In 2024, for example, more than 700 newborns died from spontaneous bleeding in their brains, which could have been complicated by liver disease or prematurity.—
Lee Hutchinson,
ArsTechnica,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
If needed, these personal alarms can be used to ward off threats, including people or animals, and serve to alert nearby rescue teams.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
1 May 2026
-
Iranian American actor Anthony Azizi says the continuing Middle East conflict has sparked rising persecution of Iran’s Baha’i minority, including its members being jailed and tortured under the threat of execution.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Holland attempted to address the problem by trading for Artemi Panarin before the Olympic break, but the high-scoring forward couldn’t make up for the Olympic injury loss of fellow high scorer Kevin Fiala.—
Greg Beacham,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
-
The accountability crisis that looked like someone else’s problem last week is sitting in Florida’s backyard.—
Nick Weston,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Jessica Chmielewski, Colleen Gartlan and Ella Riordan led a strong defensive effort in front of Noone.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The effort will focus on solutions that can be adapted elsewhere in the world, such as sustainable finance, digital innovation and workforce development.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
While everyone can be affected by smoke or ozone, the MPCA says those at higher risk of health complications include outdoor workers, older adults, children, those who are pregnant, and those who have heart or lung conditions.—
Forum News Service,
Twin Cities,
8 May 2026
-
Regardless, much of the developing world is made up of much younger countries, with populations in Africa, for example, at much lower risk of serious outcomes from COVID-19 than elderly individuals with comorbidities in the United States or Western Europe.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
One perhaps shouldn’t worry too much about AI being prompted to resurrect a talk-show host, what with the whole format dying anyway.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
-
Equally important, a chatbot does not worry about your wellbeing the way a doctor might—which is important, since the best healers combine technical skills with moral judgment and empathy.—
Sudheesha Perera,
Time,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
After a frustrating conversation with a hotel staffer about the air conditioning, a hot and bothered Fuller threw on a ball cap, turned it backward and recorded a rant on his cellphone.—
Tia Mitchell,
AJC.com,
1 May 2026
-
Nine months after Varland was traded, Twins fans are still bothered the hometown kid isn’t clicking for them instead, especially given recent results from Minnesota’s bullpen.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
But by the time Forrest reaches age 10, when dogs become eligible for Loyal’s pill, those defenses will more often misfire and fail to stop not just cancer but also other life-abbreviating ailments.—
Ross Andersen,
The Atlantic,
2 May 2026
-
Plus, the sandals have a thick leather strap that provides a pillowy cushion around the top of the foot, which is helpful for anyone with foot ailments.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Trouble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trouble. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
