bug 1 of 2

noun

ˈbəg How to pronounce bug (audio)
Definition of bugnext
1
as in sucker
a person with a strong and habitual liking for something a camera bug who loves taking candid shots at fairs and festivals

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disease
an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning I can't go to work today because I've caught some bug that's going around

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bug

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts these incessant phone calls are really starting to bug me

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2
as in to bother
to thrust oneself upon (another) without invitation I hate to bug you, but could you help me move this table?

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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 bug
Noun
Nothing beats the thrill of chasing the blinking bugs in grandma’s backyard in the dark, zooming around with Mason jars in hand. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 July 2026 As part of the fun, guests will be able to make a build-a-bug craft to take home. — Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026
Verb
What really bugs me about this moment, and about the battle and its aftermath, is the lack of feeling. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 The necessity of the trip at all is what's been bugging me. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bug
  1. sucker
  2. disease
  3. annoy
  4. bother
  5. lover
  6. ailment
  7. irritate
  8. worry
Noun
  • The Maryland Terrapins rolled these suckers out in the early 2010s and subsequently burned the retinas of college football fans all over the country.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Locate the Suckers Before you get started, find the plant’s main stems, which will have many secondary shoots or leaves, called suckers, growing off of them.
    — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 18 July 2026
Definition of sucker
Noun
  • However, pests, heat stress, and diseases like leaf spot can also cause leaf drop.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
  • But Covid-19 vaccines have consistently proved to provide significant protection against severe disease, hospitalization and death.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of disease
Verb
  • Tiesi, appearing to be annoyed, received a video call from him seconds later.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
  • Andreu Martínez of Spain humorously said in July 2024 that the use of squirt guns was to annoy the tourists a bit.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of annoy
Verb
  • My summer dresses will sadly be retired in the coming weeks, but a denim midi skirt is the ideal swap on days when I can’t be bothered to wear jeans.
    — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026
  • While acknowledging a desire for the honor, Overeem states he's not overly bothered, having faced similar situations throughout his long career.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of bother
Noun
  • For dessert, there’s a delicious coconut cake or, for the chocolate lovers, a fancy sort of s’mores cake.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • That Lane, an animal lover who excels at cracking open crazy stories with humor, heart, and a litany of perspectives, would follow Flaco is no surprise.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 30 July 2026
Definition of lover
Noun
  • The back ailment, something Schwarber played through, was probably a bigger deal than anyone acknowledged.
    — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Those poor defensive numbers might be due in part to a back ailment that Adames has battled at times this year, which has impacted his ability to work with Washington.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of ailment
Verb
  • It’s also formulated without potentially irritating ingredients like phthalates, parabens and mineral oil.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
  • While retinol on its own can be irritating, especially on sensitive skin, applying it as a moisturizer can help minimize irritation and soothe the skin—a genius product, IMO.
    — Anna Traver, InStyle, 31 July 2026
Definition of irritate
Verb
  • Mint Julep Experiences has built its business around making those trips easy, and the new Buffalo Bus gives travelers a straightforward way to visit one of Kentucky's most famous distilleries without having to worry about logistics.
    — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • What’s more, the property’s Pooch Program offers dog sitters and walkers (for a fee) as part of its concierge service, so pet parents can enjoy everything the iconic hotel has to offer without worrying about what to do with their pup.
    — Rebecca R. Norris, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Definition of worry

Phrases Containing bug

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buffs
bug
bugaboo
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Cite this Entry

“Bug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bug. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bug

Nglish: Translation of bug for Spanish Speakers

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