What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rigmarole
Example
The new employee had to go through a rigmarole of paperwork before starting the job. [rigmarole: noun]
Example
The instructions for assembling the furniture were a rigmarole of confusing diagrams and steps. [rigmarole: adjective]
fuss
Example
Don't make a fuss over the spilled milk, it's not a big deal. [fuss: noun]
Example
She fussed over her appearance for hours before the party. [fussed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fuss is more commonly used than rigmarole in everyday language. Fuss is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while rigmarole is less common and refers to a specific type of complex or confusing process.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between rigmarole and fuss?
Neither rigmarole nor fuss are formal words, and both are more appropriate for casual or informal situations.
