nuisance

noun

ˈnü-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce nuisance (audio)
Definition of nuisancenext
1
as in annoyance
one who is obnoxiously annoying the new neighbor is threatening to become a nuisance, dropping in on us several times a day

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation folding up this map correctly is such a nuisance

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 nuisance At a special town meeting Monday, residents voted 510-13 in favor of the bylaw, which would regulate noise, nuisance and privacy issues associated with commercial drone deliveries and impose fines for violations. — Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026 In August, the health board designated a $250,000 fund for rat abatement — so far the only public money in Idaho specifically earmarked to combat the nuisance. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026 The tablet takes a good 20 to 30 seconds to boot up from that state, which is a nuisance compared with the instant wake-up from sleep mode. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 But a big cooler is one guest that can really crash and burn the party – a hard, bulky nuisance that's uncomfortable on or near the bed and unsecure outside the vehicle. — New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nuisance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nuisance
  1. annoyance
  2. headache
  3. pest
  4. thorn
  5. tease
  6. irritant
  7. bother
  8. frustration
Noun
  • The Serbian leader had long been seen as an unpredictable annoyance, and his balancing act wasn’t particularly subtle.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
  • This, Barbera said, can be a programming annoyance as well as a knock on an otherwise good film.
    — Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of annoyance
Noun
  • Those headaches create headwinds, but the underlying story provides support.
    — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Residents have reported symptoms including burning in the eyes, lungs and sinuses, bad headaches and nausea.
    — Lana Zak, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of headache
Noun
  • Rollins — The pest control company saw shares fall more than 5% after third-quarter results missed the Street's estimates.
    — Darla Mercado, CFP®,Fred Imbert, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
  • For Dechant, however, the goal is no longer another pest control treatment.
    — Kennedy Cook, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of pest
Noun
  • Their similarities end there with Divya becoming a thorn in Isla’s plans all season.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026
  • In the initial draft that didn't make it into the final episode, Greg touched on how STAGFLATION was a central thorn in the side of this concept.
    — Cooper Katz McKim, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of thorn
Noun
  • Last night's Roadster demo was something of a tease, for the car is not yet in showrooms.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The Harlem rapper chose 2026, after a few teases and false starts, to end an eight-year gap in his discography.
    — Elise Brisco, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of tease
Noun
  • Health officials said the chemical was mostly an irritant so far, causing watery eyes, and that tests were ongoing to determine how much toxicity was in the air.
    — John Seewer, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Glycidyl methacrylate is an irritant that can cause burning of the eyes, nose, mouth and skin, according to the city of Toledo.
    — Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of irritant
Noun
  • The Tkachuk bothers have united in Florida, which could give the league a marketing opportunity that breaks through to more casual sports fans who don’t follow the NHL on a regular basis.
    — Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Saving Parini the bother of canceling the interview, Borges gamely offers to join him on a road trip to Orkney.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of bother
Noun
  • Burks said much of the frustration is connected to top leaders who provide insufficient training.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Clinton's lack of a majority and list of frustrations in his first term set the stage for a bruising first midterm election in 1994.
    — Ron Elving, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of frustration

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nuggets
nuisance
nuisances
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Cite this Entry

“Nuisance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nuisance. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nuisance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nuisance

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