1
as in sucker
a person with a strong and habitual liking for something
a camera bug who loves taking candid shots at fairs and festivals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disease
an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning
I can't go to work today because I've caught some bug that's going around
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
these incessant phone calls are really starting to bug me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to bother
to thrust oneself upon (another) without invitation
I hate to bug you, but could you help me move this table?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 bug
Bestreviews,
Mercury News,
29 June 2026
From gnats flying around the kitchen to bug-killing spray left on the handwashing sink, health inspectors in Missouri and Kansas found numerous violations at Kansas City-area restaurants last week.
—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
29 June 2026
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
26 May 2026
When Riley returned to the table, La La told me that his high profile in the city sometimes bugged her, because fans were always interrupting them, even sitting down at their table.
—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for bug
Noun
Keeping bug spray handy can help protect against annoying bites, while placing citronella candles around your yard or patio can keep pests at bay, especially once the sun sets.
—
Bestreviews,
Mercury News,
29 June 2026
From gnats flying around the kitchen to bug-killing spray left on the handwashing sink, health inspectors in Missouri and Kansas found numerous violations at Kansas City-area restaurants last week.
—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
29 June 2026
Verb
Woke up this morning, still kind of bugging me.
—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
26 May 2026
When Riley returned to the table, La La told me that his high profile in the city sometimes bugged her, because fans were always interrupting them, even sitting down at their table.
—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for bug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bug
Noun
-
But Kiyoko is a sucker for a happy ending, and things tie up neater than the rest of the film might otherwise suggest.
-
Removing the suckers encourages better air circulation and focuses the plant’s energy on producing fruit, says Singh.
Noun
-
The shipment includes emergency health kits for urgent medical care, including supplies for safe births, newborn care, disease prevention and treatment, according to the United Nations.
-
The rabies vaccine, if administered immediately after exposure, is nearly 100% successful at preventing the disease, according to the World Health Organization.
Verb
-
Damian used to get annoyed with his father's motivational chats about responsibility.
-
Three hours before the parade is set to begin, paradegoers are already annoyed at the disorganization and slow-moving lines.
Verb
-
For all the chatter about his choices in handbags, Haaland doesn’t seem remotely bothered.
-
What bothers me is the foot-dragging, the spinning in circles, the slow degradation of these characters into annoying stereotypes.
Noun
-
Lindsay's sister Nicole (Christy Carlson Romano) seems to be the first to notice the enemies-to-lovers sparks flying, especially as Philip slips a sparkly shoe onto Lindsey's foot.
-
The track went viral on TikTok earlier this year, with longtime lovers of the musician remembering the hit, while younger fans may have discovered it for the first time.
Noun
-
The women wanted physicians who were disease preventers, and doctors who were attentive to the difficulties wrought by menopause, which have been increasingly found to leave women vulnerable to other ailments.
-
Imaging this week showed Brown has a stress reaction in his neck, which was in the same spot as his 2024 ailment that ultimately had been diagnosed as an osteoma (benign bone tumor).
Verb
-
But for those who just want to grab a bite or see a movie at the IMAX theater, the security protocol is an additional — possibly irritating — barrier.
-
Carpet shampoos often have a strong fragrance, which can irritate those sensitive to scent.
Verb
-
At 53%, most Americans worry AI could cost them or someone in their household a job, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released in June.
-
The 2025 outbreak was HPAI, and that’s the strain that continues to worry veterinarians and poultry scientists.
Cite this Entry
“Bug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bug. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
