Synonyms for

Fuss

Verb / fʌs / Another word for fuss — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to make a big deal out of something small; to worry or complain unnecessarily

Synonyms & similar words

tiff stir mother bicker bother bustle flap tizzy fret ado dither hassle flurry niggle hustle pother pettifoggery overprotect spat squabble trouble bickering complain worry bother disturb fret fidget grumble mutter nitpick whine protest

Synonyms by register

Formal

commotion agitation disturbance turmoil

Informal

kerfuffle ado brouhaha hullabaloo flurry

Literary

fluster to-do

Antonyms

calm peace tranquility serenity ease composure

Common collocations

  • make a fuss
  • fuss over
  • fuss about
  • fuss with
  • fuss and bother
  • fuss budget
  • fuss and feathers

Word family

noun fuss
verb fuss

Usage note

Often used to describe unnecessary excitement or worry about something unimportant. Can be used as both a noun and a verb.

Example sentences

  1. Don't fuss over the small things.
  2. I don't want to hear any fussing from you.
  3. She fusses over her appearance too much.
  4. He's always fussing about something.
  5. Stop fussing and just enjoy the party.

Quotes

  • There was no point in fussing about the weather. The weather was the weather.
  • I'm not a diva. I'm just a tad dramatic. I'm a fussbudget.
  • It is the little bits of things that fret and worry us; we can dodge an elephant, but we can't dodge a fly.

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