trouble 1 of 2

noun

ˈtrə-bəl How to pronounce trouble (audio)
Definition of troublenext
1
as in disease
an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning hoping that the doctor will be able to accurately diagnose my trouble

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2
as in threat
something that may cause injury or harm that wild dog is trouble, so stay away

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3
as in problem
something that requires thought and skill for resolution the police officers first broke up the fight and then asked what the trouble was

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4
as in effort
the active use of energy in producing a result please, don't go to all that trouble just for me

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5
as in risk
the state of not being protected from injury, harm, or evil if you think your brother might be in trouble, then let's go check up on him

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trouble

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to worry
to experience concern or anxiety don't trouble about me—I'll be fine

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2
as in to bother
to cause discomfort to or trouble for I hate to trouble you, but would you mind moving for a minute so I can sweep under your chair?

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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 trouble
Noun
But with only a few spots to fill in the transfer portal this offseason, the Trojans shouldn’t have any trouble replenishing depth. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2025 All attempts to soften the sharp edges of their identity just enough to avoid trouble. — Ismat Ara, TIME, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
Those who wrote and wrangled over America’s Constitution might be troubled by the second presidency of Donald J. Trump. — Claire B. Wofford, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025 Plunkett is not the first critic to trouble the popular conception of Frost as a wise woodsman dispensing comfort and inspiration. — Maggie Doherty, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trouble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trouble
  1. disease
  2. threat
  3. problem
  4. effort
  5. risk
  6. worry
  7. bother
  8. ailment
Noun
  • This ultimately translates into more people that will get infected with these diseases, with the potential of spreading it to all Americans, including White Americans in urban neighborhoods.
    — Omer Awan, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Five to 10 percent of people with ALS have a family member with the disease.
    — Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of disease
Noun
  • None of them know how soon the United States might resolve tensions with Canada, or make good on threats to impose a 200% tariff on EU alcohol.
    — Natasha Chen, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
  • While the world celebrates the many ways trees and forests help sustain human and animal life, deforestation poses a significant threat to these vital ecosystems, both in the United States and abroad.
    — Alana Wise, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of threat
Noun
  • Photograph: Javier Navarro/Quanta The trio’s reformulation of the problem was a major breakthrough.
    — Leila Sloman, WIRED, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The problems, in other words, weren’t a bug but a feature.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of problem
Noun
  • As Maine continues to see more shark detections in its waters, studies like this will be crucial in ensuring that shark conservation efforts continue while also keeping human safety a priority.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • In South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency Saturday as part of an effort to stop a blaze in Pickens County called the Table Rock Fire that started the previous day in an area within the Blue Ridge Mountains.
    — ASSOCIATED PRESS, TIME, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of effort
Noun
  • Varnado had been previously arrested on March 25, 2024, on domestic violence charges that included second-degree breach of peace and risk of injury to a minor, court records show.
    — Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 19 Mar. 2025
  • So there is a real risk that the Court could use the Consumers’ Research case as a vehicle to do so.
    — Ian Millhiser, Vox, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of risk
Verb
  • Don't worry so much about what percentage of credit each contact point should receive.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Not worrying about getting dirty or anything like that.
    — Kayla Grant, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of worry
Verb
  • Because Congress never bothered to write a law to establish it.
    — Jay Cost, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Chicago Bears - Will Campbell, OL, LSU Will Campbell has fallen a bit due to his shorter arm length, but that likely won't bother Ben Johnson.
    — Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of bother
Noun
  • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees ZZ Top have announced that their longtime drummer, Frank Beard, is taking a break from touring to treat an undisclosed ailment.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 17 Mar. 2025
  • After years of mid-season ailments, Horn was able to play in 15 games, while producing 68 tackles, two sacks, 13 pass breakups and an interception.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of ailment

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troubadours
trouble
troubled
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Cite this Entry

“Trouble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trouble. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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