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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in psychopath
a person having or showing a severely disordered or abnormal state of mind
a bug with a fascination for committing arson
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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?
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 bug
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
The one-bedroom apartment on Clarkson Avenue has a few things going for it (central air, a huge terrace, no bugs), but his unit also has a washer-dryer combo, leaving him with just one usable closet.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 19 Mar. 2025
Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2025
Ahead of the trial, Sherborne alleged the newspapers had used deception to obtain his clients' medical, phone and flight records, as well as bugging homes and placing listening devices into cars.
—Max Taylor, NBC News, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bug
Noun
This collaborative approach reduces bugs, accelerates learning and ensures more efficient code delivery, ultimately speeding up development timelines.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
The one-bedroom apartment on Clarkson Avenue has a few things going for it (central air, a huge terrace, no bugs), but his unit also has a washer-dryer combo, leaving him with just one usable closet.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
Hackman is a detective who specializes in audio surveillance, spying on and bugging strangers, a wiretapper capturing them in incriminating secrets, yet unable to empathize or bond with any real-life humans.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2025
Ahead of the trial, Sherborne alleged the newspapers had used deception to obtain his clients' medical, phone and flight records, as well as bugging homes and placing listening devices into cars.
—Max Taylor, NBC News, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bug
Noun
-
Just thinking about the poor suckers who had to guard her in high school makes Fudd pity them.—
Grace Raynor,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
-
These giant in-lines mimic large prey like suckers and perch.—
Joe Cermele,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Millions of Americans depend on our nation's research institutions for treatments and cures to the diseases that devastate families every day.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Soggy soil is a breeding ground for destructive pests and diseases.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The first introduced the audience to the cast of the film: Sally Hawkins, playing a kindly foster mother who — as Danny introduced her — might be a psychopath, Billy Barratt and Sora Wong as her two new foster kids, and Jonah Wren Phillips as her younger, troubled foster son.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
31 Mar. 2025
-
In separate filings, the defense is also asking the court to limit the use of the words murder, psychopath and sociopath.—
Michael Ruiz,
Fox News,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Waltz now has a bunch of top officials, and their teams, who are annoyed at him for drawing bad publicity.—
Marc Caputo,
Axios,
25 Mar. 2025
-
However, standing in the middle of a road to capture the Eiffel Tower in the background is not only unsafe but can also annoy locals.—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Because Congress never bothered to write a law to establish it.—
Jay Cost,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Rick scoops Chelsea up in his arms before being shot himself and falling into the water with his lover, where the two die together.—
Audrey Gibbs,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
-
The Bird Buddy Smart Feeder Pro is perfect for all you bird lovers looking to take your hobby to the next level.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Supports the immune system and may help prevent seasonal ailments such as colds and flu.—
Alessandra Signorelli,
Vogue,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Finally, Holiday has been playing through a nagging finger issue but also has a shoulder ailment.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
If not properly diluted, vinegar's acidity can irritate your throat or erode tooth enamel over time.—
Johna Burdeos,
Health,
7 Apr. 2025
-
The second walk irritated the pitcher, as home plate umpire Bruce Dreckman’s ball four call on a 3-2 count appeared incorrect.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bug. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share