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fuss

fuss

137 1.5
A lot of worry or complaint about something small
  • noun
  • /fʌs/
: alboroto
  • The EPA and NRC are just reacting to the fuss the media has made.
  • make a fuss
  • a little fuss
  • wonder what the fuss

This was not worth the fuss, but it wasn't bad.

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Examples

  • So he saw me sitting on the arm of this chair and made a big fuss about me being in his seat.

  • And, you know, we have some wonderful dinners where we argue and fuss over a glass of wine and love each other dearly.

  • Now we all see what all the fuss is about.

  • All in all, it is difficult to see what the fuss over him was about.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • So let's see what this fuss is all about.

  • Let's see what all the fuss is about.

  • Why are they making such a fuss?

  • I don't know what all the fuss was about.

  • Don't make a big fuss about this, Louanne.

  • There was a lot of fuss over the minor changes in the schedule.

Synonyms

disturbance
vsfuss
72 3.7

A noisy event in a public place that bothers other people

is usually less serious, covering needless excitement or complaint about small matters
commotion
vsfuss
70 4.1

A noisy situation when people are excited or confused

is focused on unnecessary or excessive excitement and complaint about small things
ado
vsfuss
51 8.0

Fuss and busy activity about something that is not needed

is the more common word for excess activity or complaint about small things
stir
vsfuss
40 4.2

A short time of excitement and activity

is broader, applying to ongoing worry or complaint, not only short bursts
squabble
vsfuss
  • Informal
26 4.2

A noisy argument about something unimportant

focuses on complaint or excessive activity rather than direct personal arguments
spat
vsfuss
24 3.7

A short, unimportant argument between people

covers general unnecessary excitement or complaint instead of short personal disputes
flap
vsfuss
  • UK
18 5.9

A short time of nervous worry and confusion

is broader, used for any unnecessary excitement or complaint, not only nervous reactions
tiff
vsfuss
  • Informal
13 5.6

A small argument between friends or partners that ends quickly

is broader and includes noisy activity or complaint, not only brief quarrels
tizzy
vsfuss
  • Informal
10 8.0

A nervous, excited feeling about something unimportant

is less emotional and includes general complaint or excessive activity about minor matters
to-do
vsfuss
  • Informal
7 7.0

A noisy fuss about something not important

is the general name for too much activity, worry, or complaint
hullabaloo
vsfuss
  • Informal
6 7.9

A loud noisy fuss made by people, often during protests or celebrations

is not limited to group protests and covers small excessive reactions
hoo-ha
vsfuss
  • Informal
3 9.6

A noisy fuss about something unimportant

is a neutral word for excessive or unnecessary excitement and complaint
dither
vsfuss
2 8.0

A nervous, confused state when you cannot decide

is broader, referring to unnecessary activity or complaint rather than indecision
much ado about nothing
vsfuss
  • Informal
1 7.5

A lot of fuss about something unimportant

is the general expression for unnecessary excitement, activity, or complaint
faddle
vsfuss
1 9.9

A small unimportant fuss that wastes time

is a broader term for excessive worry or complaint about small things
pother
vsfuss
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A noisy fuss about something not important

is wider, covering any unnecessary excitement or complaint about small things
foofaraw
vsfuss
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A loud, unnecessary fuss about something unimportant

is less about display and more about any excessive complaint or worry
faff
vsfuss
  • UK
1 9.9

A lot of unneeded work or delay that wastes time

is more general, covering excess complaint or excitement as well as delays
tsimmes
vsfuss
  • Informal
9.9

A lot of fuss about something small

is a general term for excessive worry, activity, or complaint about small things
tzimmes
vsfuss
  • Informal
9.9

An unnecessary fuss or worry about a small problem

is used more broadly for any needless excitement, activity, or complaint

Antonyms

106 1.0

A quiet, peaceful feeling that helps you stay steady

66 4.6

Lack of interest or concern about something

Idioms

3 6.4

Complain loudly about something small

Compounds

fuss-budget
  • Informal
1 9.9

A person who worries about small things for no reason

How Much Fuss

uproar
49 3.9
commotion
70 4.1
fuss
137 1.5
bother
43 2.1

Surface Forms

fuss singular
fusses plural

Etymology

Fuss likely began as a small word for noisy, busy activity or bother; imagine people making a lot of noise and movement over something unimportant. That's why a fuss means 'unnecessary excitement, activity, or complaint'.