fussy

adjective

ˈfə-sē How to pronounce fussy (audio)
Definition of fussynext
1
as in restless
given to complaining a lot predictably, the kids riding in the back were fussy passengers, always asking "Are we there yet?"

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in finicky
hard to please cats have a well-deserved reputation for being fussy eaters

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in careful
taking, showing, or involving great care and effort a fussy teacher who reads through papers two and even three times before issuing a grade

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in ornate
elaborately and often excessively decorated the room, with its rococo furniture and its overabundance of knickknacks, is just too fussy for my taste

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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 fussy Ally and Jay’s meet-cute happens by way of the same fussy coffee order. — Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Feb. 2025 Children with the virus may be fussy, sleepy throughout the day and cry without tears. — Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025 Most cats are usually fussy eaters, but one named Mr. Lime recently went viral for snacking on a very unusual food, which has left internet users puzzled. — Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 These clothes are fanciful, but not fussy—a perfect combo for the times. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for fussy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fussy
  1. restless
  2. finicky
  3. careful
  4. ornate
  5. irritable
  6. picky
  7. meticulous
  8. nervous
Adjective
  • But not on this recent Wednesday — because the herd is restless.
    — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
  • After a restless night while a thunderstorm raged outside, Tess and Anna wake up not as themselves, but as two 14-year-old girls, Harper and Lily.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of restless
Adjective
  • While the controls can be finicky, the overall package is just such a steal at this price.
    — Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 28 Feb. 2025
  • This digital control system replaces finicky analog adjustments with simple voltage pulses, enabling error correction via measurements rather than complex rotations.
    — Luis E. Romero, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Definition of finicky
Adjective
  • These concerns underscore the need for careful consideration of privacy rights when deploying such technology.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Rendering animal fat requires careful heating and purification to remove impurities.
    — Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • The Grand Marshall of the parade, standing with family and friends, pours green dye into the iconic Forsyth Park Fountain, enough to cause the fountain’s ornate ironwork to project bright green water for days.
    — Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Fittingly, the ornate theme carries throughout the entire hotel.
    — Katie Chang, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of ornate
Adjective
  • Though most people benefit from eating more fiber, some may need to temporarily reduce their fiber intake to help their digestive system heal, such as during a flare-up of irritable bowel disease (IBD), diverticulitis, or Crohn’s disease.4 3.
    — Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Tornado Alley is a strip from Nebraska to Texas known for irritable weather systems.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of irritable
Adjective
  • Sure, a comfy booth and a great kids’ menu may be enough to keep picky eaters pleased.
    — Liz Regalia, Parents, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Walsh’s shot deflected in off an SI defender, but at that point in the game, Mitty wasn’t picky.
    — Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of picky
Adjective
  • The meticulous breeding and careful selection that produced such extraordinary specimens highlight the craftsmanship and expertise defining today’s koi industry.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The Pitt’s birth scene was not real, but lots of effort went into creating the elaborate and meticulous scene with the help of the visual effects team.
    — Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of meticulous
Adjective
  • Mitch [Hurwitz, the show creator] was very nervous.
    — Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Trump won't be on the ballot again, but this week had to make a lot of Republicans who will be very nervous.
    — Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of nervous

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Cite this Entry

“Fussy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fussy. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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