fussy

adjective

ˈfə-sē How to pronounce fussy (audio)
fussier; fussiest
Synonyms of fussynext
1
: easily upset : irritable
2
: overly decorative
a fussy wallpaper pattern
3
a
: requiring or giving close attention to details
fussy bookkeeping procedures
b
: revealing a sometimes extreme concern for details : fastidious, picky
a fussy man who was hard to please
fussily
ˈfə-sə-lē How to pronounce fussy (audio)
adverb
fussiness
ˈfə-sē-nəs How to pronounce fussy (audio)
noun

Synonyms of fussy

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Examples of fussy in a Sentence

I'm not fussy about where we eat. The room was cluttered and fussy.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Baby is fussy, so back to Mom to eat as suitor Robert Pattinson tries his shot at Anne Hathaway. — Zachary Pincus-Roth, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 The long-sleeve, open-front design offers lightweight coverage with no fussy buttons or zippers, while functional front pockets are deep enough for a phone, keys, and other small essentials. — Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026 Given Pittsburg’s working-class roots, the Fialas knew their wine bar couldn’t be fussy or intimidating. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 Writer-director Stephen Butchko, for instance, may voice a robot cop with a Southern drawl, then seamlessly shift to a fussy Jarvis-like service bot with an English accent. — David Bloom, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fussy

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fussy was in 1831

Rhymes for fussy

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Browse Nearby Words

fuss with
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Cite this Entry

“Fussy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fussy. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fussy

adjective
ˈfəs-ē How to pronounce fussy (audio)
fussier; fussiest
1
: inclined to complain or whine
a fussy child
2
a
: needing or giving much attention to details
a fussy job
b
: hard to please
fussy about food
fussily
ˈfəs-ə-lē How to pronounce fussy (audio)
adverb
fussiness
ˈfəs-ē-nəs How to pronounce fussy (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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