fuss

verb

fussed; fussing; fusses
Synonyms of fussnext

intransitive verb

1
a
: to create or be in a state of restless activity
especially : to shower flattering attentions
fussing over the grandchildren
b
: to pay close or undue attention to small details
fussed with the table setting
2
a
: to become upset : worry
b
: to express annoyance or pique : complain
fusser noun

Examples of fuss in a Sentence

She'll fuss the whole time we're gone. I told him not to fuss. The baby fussed all day. Stop fussing and get to work! He's fussing about his new assignment.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Need to put a filling dinner on the table, but don't have a lot of time to fuss? Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 22 May 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 The crime went unsolved for many years, prompting Mason to start making this movie in the early 2000s, and the immediate conclusion to jump to is that the LAPD maybe wasn’t too fussed about it. Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026 Asparagus fern is very tolerant of indoor living, doesn't fuss too much about watering schedules, and can make do with less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fuss

Word History

Etymology
First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fuss was in 1792

Cite this Entry

“Fuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuss. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

fuss

1 of 2 noun
1
: unnecessary activity or excitement often over something unimportant
2
3
: a great show of interest
made a fuss over the baby

fuss

2 of 2 verb
: to make a fuss
fusser noun

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