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Definitions

bother

[both-er] / ˈbɒð ər /
NOUN
trouble, inconvenience
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aggravation
STRONG
ado annoyance anxiety bellyache botheration bustle care concern difficulty distress drag exasperation flurry fuss headache irritant irritation molestation nudge nuisance pain perplexity pest plague pother pressure problem strain to-do trial trouble vexation worriment worry
WEAK
pain in the neck
Antonyms
STRONG
advantage calm calmness comfort contentment delight ease good health happiness health joy peace pleasure tranquility
WEAK
aid convenience help
VERB
harass, annoy; give trouble
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aggravate alarm bore disgust dismay disturb embarrass exacerbate hinder hurt irk irritate nag perplex perturb plague scare torment trouble upset worry
STRONG
afflict agitate badger bedevil browbeat concern cross discommode disconcert displease disquiet distress eat exasperate goad grieve harry impede inconvenience insult molest needle nudge pain pester provoke pursue ride spite tantalize taunt tease vex
WEAK
carp at grate on intrude upon pick on put out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid appease assist assuage assure calm comfort delight encourage gladden help make happy order please reassure relieve soothe
STRONG
compliment ease praise satisfy stop support
WEAK
ignore neglect
VERB
take the trouble
Synonyms
STRONGEST
try worry about
WEAK
be concerned about concern oneself exert oneself fuss over go out of one's way make a fuss about make an effort put oneself out take pains
Antonyms
WEAK
aid help ignore neglect please

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He knows how irritated people are when an artist claims they don’t want to bother anymore.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

“We don’t see software and semis being mutually exclusive, but for many the question becomes, ‘Why bother with software if semis are going to outperform on an absolute and relative basis?’”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

She said it was "so lovely that anybody would bother to come up and chew the cud with you for a while"

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Instead of thinking, Why bother?, they think, This could be worth it.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

They were a dullish white from age, but that did not bother me one whit.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Vocabulary lists containing bother

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 4

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The New SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!