fuss 1 of 2

Definition of fuss
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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
At barnyard-chic Le Garde Champêtre, Japanese chef Kazuya Miyashita weaves the organic vegetable garden’s produce into farm-to-table plates minus the fuss—simply smoked and cooked around the fire. Lane Nieset, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Aug. 2026 These fuss-free finds from Quince, starting at $30, can be mixed and matched and worn multiple ways on vacation. Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
But my guess is that Schiele wasn’t all that fussed about proving his social worth. Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2026 Ever the dedicated mother, Stacy runs to her adult daughter’s aid, fussing at her for not using a driver for her errands. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fuss
Noun
  • Nobody had raised objections, not because everyone agreed, but because nobody had been invited to express a different point of view.
    Chiara Alzati, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Badger needed 17 yes votes from the County Board members to proceed because Homer Glen filed a legal objection to the plan.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
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
Noun
  • Miller denies that and says the gun fell from his sweatshirt pocket and got hit in the commotion.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Is everything okay on MobLand after the behind-the-scenes commotion involving Tom Hardy.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, turbo noise fills the cabin alongside the odd electric motor whine.
    Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • That is, until you are subjected to the relentless whine of mosquitoes.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Videos on social media published last week showed empty markets in Tehran and Karaj, with sellers complaining that their fresh produce is not being bought.
    Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Others complained about the traffic jams and parking restrictions in the runup to the event.
    Ava Berger, NPR, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • My mom is always raving about Quince for its selection of breathable, sophisticated clothes that keep her from overheating.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
  • In his viral moment of the day, tipping the screen pass for an interception, showed off what Bengals linemen and coaches rave about.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
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
Verb
  • Beyond the seating area is the hotel shop with a vibrant range of pottery to drool over.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Who had broken a wrist on the back-yard flagstones, drooled cherry medicine down her sleeping face on the car ride back from the hospital.
    Emma Cline, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Fuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fuss. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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