as in annoyed
subjected to and reacting with irritation
got all hot and bothered by his brother's constant unsolicited advice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in worried
to thrust oneself upon (another) without invitation
I am never going to get this work done if people don't stop wandering into the room and bothering me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in irritated
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
it bothers me when obviously sick people go to movies and spend the whole time coughing and sneezing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in feared
to experience concern or anxiety
just get the basic concept right and don't bother about the details
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in alarmed
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
the boss's cryptic message about changes to the company bothered me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of bothered
Douglas MacKinnon, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 2026
Getting back together with an ex. AD: Bothered, bothered, bothered!
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 17 Dec. 2025
Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
No one came up to me, no one bothered me.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bothered
Adjective
Those most bothered being Hispanic Americans.
—Douglas MacKinnon, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 2026
Getting back together with an ex. AD: Bothered, bothered, bothered!
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 17 Dec. 2025
Verb
When Jorge Polanco’s base hit into right field ended a 15-inning epic and finished the Detroit Tigers’ season, no one bothered to retrieve the ball.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
No one came up to me, no one bothered me.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bothered
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bothered
Adjective
-
There’s nothing wrong with legislators unwinding and heading back to their districts, but Americans are reasonably annoyed to see their representatives at a casino or theme park amid a partial government shutdown.—
Editorial Board,
Washington Post,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The proud bronze lions outside the Art Institute are getting very annoyed and starting to grumble.—
Laura Washington,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Sheehy encouraged anyone worried about pacemakers to consider using the devices.—
Joseph States,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Armstrong worried that something simmered between Moriah and her longtime boyfriend Colin Strickland, whom Armstrong lived with.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Even minimal exposure to artificial lights irritated his burns, and recovery took months.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Many people have come out of the woodwork and jumped on the bandwagon, which irritated me.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The conflict has alarmed the international community, particularly as the area is one where other militant organizations, including al-Qaida and the Islamic State group, still have a presence and have been trying to resurface.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Unsurpringly, this has alarmed some in the Pentagon who are now scrambling to find ways to increase production or find ways to replenish stock.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
This small meal should be low in fiber and fat, as these can cause an upset stomach.—
Dr. Sarah Kinsella,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
-
In his March Madness brackets, Obama has the Arizona Wildcats men defeating the Duke Blue Devils (who have already been upset) and UConn's women's team winning it all.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Dogs should not be disturbed while resting, as undisturbed sleep is important for their wellbeing.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
-
In the show's latest season, multiple cast members wonder if the pair are getting back together, with Wilson being notably disturbed when approached by costar Jesse Solomon about possibly kissing Miller if given the chance.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Three people told the Washington Examiner that Scott had become paranoid that Lewandowski was spying on him through his work phone and had bugged his office.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Underwood went on The Bachelor as a straight man, made a connection with Randolph, broke up with her, bugged her car, and then was hit with a restraining order.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Perhaps the most reassuring detail for fans concerned about canon fidelity is how much Martin has endorsed this production.—
Ryan Brennan
April 3,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The products are no longer available for purchase, but the FSIS is concerned that the nuggets may still be stored in some consumers’ freezers.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bothered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bothered. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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