worry 1 of 2

Definition of worrynext

worry

2 of 2

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
While some analysts had worried about belt-tightening by lower-income customers, Niccol said Starbucks saw gains in visits across all income levels. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026 Hospitals also worry an increase in uninsured patients will hurt their bottom lines, said Jeremy Nordquist, the president and CEO of the Nebraska Hospital Association. Phil Galewitz, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
Whether a handsy jockey, who hung on a horse’s mouth rather than riding him, paid him any mind was the least of his worries. Literary Hub, 30 Apr. 2026 If Ekwonu decides to look for something more long-term, the Panthers can just stick with Freeling on the left side and Moton on the right in 2027 with little worry. Mike Kaye april 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for worry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for worry
Verb
  • For those lamenting the snow, don’t fret for too long.
    Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 4 May 2026
  • Policymakers fret about how to pay for it.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • After a frustrating conversation with a hotel staffer about the air conditioning, a hot and bothered Fuller threw on a ball cap, turned it backward and recorded a rant on his cellphone.
    Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 1 May 2026
  • Nine months after Varland was traded, Twins fans are still bothered the hometown kid isn’t clicking for them instead, especially given recent results from Minnesota’s bullpen.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • And though Fanny released their albums in a post-Stonewall environment, the band’s gay members felt pressured to remain in the closet for fear of losing their record deal or the support of their fans.
    Marissa Lorusso, Pitchfork, 3 May 2026
  • Lane harrowingly captures the paralyzing fear of being ordinary, while Metcalf will overwhelm you with the sheer emotion of her performance as Willy’s fiercely loyal wife, Linda.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • Pachysandra beds that have been stressed by winter, too much sun, drought, insects, or overcrowding are more susceptible to this fungal disease.
    Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
  • So, no, not equal opportunity at moments of truth, no matter how constant the movement, how stressed the pace.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • There’s a lot to be concerned about.
    Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The king’s visit with a deeply divisive American president, who himself has been compared to a monarch, threatens to further divide Americans concerning the British royals.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The next, everyone is discussing climate anxiety among urban houseplants.
    Larry Clifton, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2026
  • Typically found at gas stations and smoke shops, kratom and its synthetic version, known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, have been marketed as an over-the-counter aid for pain, anxiety and drug dependence.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • 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
Verb
  • Remaining quiet and respectful increases the chances of observing bears in their natural habitat without disturbing them.
    Debbie Olsen, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026
  • Coherence unravels strange events and disturbing moments that are sure to thrill.
    Grace Dean, Space.com, 2 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Worry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/worry. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

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