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worry

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb worry contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of worry are annoy, harass, harry, pester, plague, and tease. While all these words mean "to disturb or irritate by persistent acts," worry implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation.

pursued a policy of worrying the enemy

When can annoy be used instead of worry?

The words annoy and worry are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, annoy implies disturbing one's composure or peace of mind by intrusion, interference, or petty attacks.

you're doing that just to annoy me

When is harass a more appropriate choice than worry?

The meanings of harass and worry largely overlap; however, harass implies petty persecutions or burdensome demands that exhaust one's nervous or mental power.

harassed on all sides by creditors

When would harry be a good substitute for worry?

While the synonyms harry and worry are close in meaning, harry may imply heavy oppression or maltreatment.

the strikers had been harried by thugs

When could pester be used to replace worry?

The words pester and worry can be used in similar contexts, but pester stresses the repetition of petty attacks.

constantly pestered with trivial complaints

In what contexts can plague take the place of worry?

Although the words plague and worry have much in common, plague implies a painful and persistent affliction.

plagued all her life by poverty

When is it sensible to use tease instead of worry?

In some situations, the words tease and worry are roughly equivalent. However, tease suggests an attempt to break down one's resistance or rouse to wrath.

children teased the dog

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 worry
Verb
In the end, an independent Greenland will be widely regarded as a security worry for the United States. David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025 But if any of these still sound like too much to start with, don’t worry—Colier recommends a simpler starting point for beginners: Try cutting your screen time in half. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
The two worries are Nugent-Hopkins fading offence and knowing there’s a nuclear option available and underutilized. Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 The looming fight over immigration policy pits concerns about crime and safety with worries about the economy, plus the emotional toll of deportation and stricter immigration laws. Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for worry 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worry
Verb
  • Crane frets over whether anyone from the National Theatre will watch the show.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
  • In December, Trump aides fretted about the pace of hiring.
    Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Theresa’s nose has been bothering her and one of her children has asthma.
    Simmone Shah, TIME, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Ludvig Aberg, who shared the second-round lead with Griffin, was bothered by illness throughout the round.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • As the community grapples with recovery, fears of gentrification loom large.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 23 Jan. 2025
  • But this progress was not inevitable; it was forged through struggle and the determination to rise above fear and division.
    John Hope Bryant, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Of those who identified as financially stressed, 32% said handling unexpected emergencies like medical bills, car repairs and home maintenance trigger their anxiety with cash, the report found.
    Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The parties, my best friends and I threw every now and then, whenever the school stressed us out, to let off some steam and feel less stressed by criticizing the school system together laughing until our sides ached, those were the nights that built the bonds that truly mattered.
    Amal Murtaja, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But so far, no action has been taken, and Krishnamoorthi is concerned.
    Kevin Williams, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Recent happenings across the globe—from Australia to Canada—have reported concerning incidents including swastika vandalism being spray-painted on a synagogue.
    Irwin Cotler, TIME, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Then the widespread anxiety spurred by a wave of high-profile robberies and the deadly home-invasion of Jacqueline Avant.
    Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The situation caused Campbell a lot of anxiety, but became a pivotal shift in her perspective.
    Kait Hanson, Glamour, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Palmieri also has a 16-team no-trade list but, like Nelson, certainly should not be fussed about being moved to a Cup contender for a few months.
    Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Later that day, the boys fuss around their grandmother at the dinner table.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Sep. 2024
Verb
  • Do not use strong perfumes or colognes, which can disturb the experience for others.
    Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The show is a display of staged orderly chaos, models walking across a hilly, grassy arena, crossing in and out around the little knolls, never disturbing or interrupting each other’s paths.
    Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 21 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near worry

Cite this Entry

“Worry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worry. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

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