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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb bother differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of bother are annoy, irk, and vex. While all these words mean "to upset a person's composure," bother suggests interference with comfort or peace of mind.

don't bother me while I'm reading

In what contexts can annoy take the place of bother?

The words annoy and bother are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, annoy implies a wearing on the nerves by persistent petty unpleasantness.

their constant complaining annoys us

When can irk be used instead of bother?

Although the words irk and bother have much in common, irk stresses difficulty in enduring and the resulting weariness or impatience of spirit.

careless waste irks the boss

When is it sensible to use vex instead of bother?

The synonyms vex and bother are sometimes interchangeable, but vex implies greater provocation and stronger disturbance and usually connotes anger but sometimes perplexity or anxiety.

vexed by her son's failure to clean his room

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 bother
Verb
But if Trump really had been involved, why would his opponents bother making up a Russiagate scandal? Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025 Speaking with a reporter outside the Capitol building later in the day, Massie didn't seem bothered by the president's threats. Meredith Kile, People.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
Post-match, Hansi Flick confirmed that the La Masia product is fine, and joked that 'Cu' is young enough to be able to have stitches with no real bother as a man the German's age might experience. Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 This* is the first Fulham-specific piece the Athletic bothers to chuck out in ages. Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bother
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bother
Verb
  • Consider buying bottles with pumps so guests don't have to worry about unscrewing lids and pouring the syrups in their drinks.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025
  • Buying back-to-school supplies can be challenging for families, so organizations and companies across Phoenix are hosting backpack and school supply giveaways to ensure that no student has to worry about being ready for the school year.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • That acquisition annoyed shareholders and customers alike, with investors taking issue with the fact that it was structured to avoid a vote.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 25 July 2025
  • However, in addition to the controversy over self-grading the results, OpenAI also annoyed the IMO community because its Saturday announcement appears to have violated the embargo agreement with the International Mathematical Olympiad.
    Benj Edwards, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • Signs on the fence that surrounds the property warn of large fines for disturbing the site, which is the subject of investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Cal-OSHA.
    Nathaniel Levine, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2025
  • In 2005, an anonymous tipster sent the family disturbing images of a woman from an adult website based in the Caribbean.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025
Noun
  • Getting pulled over and receiving a ticket can put a damper on a road trip in a hurry.
    Will McGough, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • The first New Jersey State Constitution, like many others written during the early months of the Revolutionary War, was drafted in a hurry.
    Peter Zablocki, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Last month, Los Angeles city officials declared these properties a public nuisance because of their failure to take action to clean up debris.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
  • The cicadas swarming in and around Cincinnati can be a nuisance.
    Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • Read More: The 9 Most Underrated Healthy Foods Flavorings and additives Natural fruit compounds, artificial colorants, and tannins in wine can cause headaches, GI symptoms, or hives in sensitive people.
    Lauryn Higgins, Time, 22 July 2025
  • His salary: $760,000. Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Andy Pages have dealt the Padres numerous headaches.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • The rise of ghost jobs has been causing real frustration for job seekers.
    Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • Other operators have expressed similar frustration, and some members of Congress have signaled support for an overhaul.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • So much so, in fact, that President Donald Trump has begun to pester the Fed about cutting the federal funds rate.
    Rob Wile, NBC news, 18 June 2025
  • During the press tour, Pugh previously discussed pestering Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige in order to be able to jump off the second-tallest building in the world, at 2,227 feet and eclipsed only by the Burj Khalifa.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bother.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bother. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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