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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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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
They’re made from a cotton, polyester, and spandex fabric with ample stretch that’s easy to pull on without the fuss. Ali Faccenda, People.com, 4 July 2025 Start with short separations, offer them enrichment activities, and avoid making a fuss when leaving or returning home. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Verb
Soon, there will be crying; there will be nursing and burping and spitting up and fussing and playing and giggles and bath time and trying to get this damn baby to sleep through the night. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 May 2025 As Harper, from Queensland, Australia, pet Olive and stroked her face gently, her furious golden retriever, named Cub, sat upright and appeared to frown at his owner for fussing anyone other than him. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fuss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fuss
Noun
  • His objection automatically ended debate, per Council rules, and led Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, who spoke favorably of the resolution, to send it to the Committee on Civil Rights, Immigrant Advancement and Racial Equity.
    Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 10 July 2025
  • Combs' legal team proposed probation officials provide a pre-sentence investigation report by August 29, with objections filed by his attorneys by September 5.
    Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Getty Images To date, the post has amassed more than 900 comments from TikTok viewers, many of them poking fun at the golden retriever mother's annoyed expression and shallow huffs.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
  • The chute opens, and rambunctious No. 2 bursts out with an impatient huff.
    Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Play was delayed for several minutes when a spectator needed medical attention after Alcaraz noticed the commotion in the stands.
    George Ramsay, CNN Money, 30 June 2025
  • There followed a small commotion of friendliness—apologies, laughter—after which we were led to our seats and sent a free passion-fruit donut.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • Air raid sirens, the whine of kamikaze drones and booming detonations reverberated from early evening until dawn as Russia launched what Ukraine's Air Force said was a total of 539 drones and 11 missiles.
    Pavel Polityuk, USA Today, 4 July 2025
  • Pretty soon, the whine of the gears, the shriek of the diff, and the sheer cacophony of combustion make conversation all but impossible.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • A number of Tesla shareholders, including some Democrats who oversee the investment of public sector pension fund money in Tesla stock, complained in May to Tesla Board Chair Robyn Denholm that Musk’s other activities are hurting the company.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 14 July 2025
  • Trump has complained about the EU's $231 billion trade surplus in goods, which shows Americans buy more goods from European businesses than the other way around.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Bridges loved his infield range, and other scouts raved about his versatility in center field.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2025
  • While recently visiting the detention site, President Donald Trump raved about Alligator Alcatraz.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • These seemingly arbitrary small items are essentially sweeteners to win over lawmakers who might quibble with the broader thrust of the legislation.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
  • Cary and Walter try to write a film script, but mostly quibble over details like a name for their non-existent production.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • The signs of a dog that is overheating include unusually excess panting and rapid breathing, drooling, lethargy or disorientation, and if their gums are bright red.
    Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 6 July 2025
  • Panting, drooling, rapid heart rate and pale gums also point to the condition, and the dog may position its body in a downward-facing pose.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Fuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fuss. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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