1
as in plague
a widespread disease resulting in a high rate of death
one of the great pests of the 20th century was the influenza epidemic of 1918, which killed millions across the globe
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in nuisance
one who is obnoxiously annoying
stop being a pest to your sister and go find something else to do
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
a never-ending construction project that continues to be a pest for motorists
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pest
These are usually fungal infections that have entered though wounds caused by pests, pruning or flexing of ligustrum limbs.
—
Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2026
Suspensions One Kansas City food business was suspended due to ineffective pest control measures.
—Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2026
That is a significant amount of pest control provided by bats!
—Eli Fenichel, The Conversation, 14 May 2026
Yelp also published that searches for pest control have increased 34% year over year.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2026
Suspensions One Kansas City food business was suspended due to ineffective pest control measures.
—Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2026
That is a significant amount of pest control provided by bats!
—Eli Fenichel, The Conversation, 14 May 2026
Yelp also published that searches for pest control have increased 34% year over year.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pest
Noun
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The only danger was that theriac was thought to heat the body and thus could supposedly render an individual more susceptible to corruption by the plague.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 May 2026
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Declining enrollment and rising labor costs plague school districts across the Bay Area and California, but Contra Costa County schools’ financial problems long predate its current crises.—
East Bay Times editorial board,
Mercury News,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Plaskolite was cited for causing a public nuisance, according to AQMD documents.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
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When to See a Doctor For the vast majority of new parents, dry skin is a temporary, frustrating nuisance that resolves as your hormones stabilize and your body adjusts to its new rhythm.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
28 May 2026
Noun
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Pilgrims describe Hajj as a once-in-a-lifetime obligation that transcends politics, justifying high costs, logistical headaches and security fears.—
Mariam Fam,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
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Inhaling that vapor can cause damage, including irritation to the eyes and nose, respiratory tract and lungs, bringing on symptoms like sore throats, runny noses, itching and burning eyes, dizziness, headaches and nausea.—
Sierra van der Brug,
Oc Register,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Her annoyance about that has led tennis tournaments to consider their strategy for the behind-the-scenes video that serves as catnip for fans.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
26 May 2026
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The best affordable pet products are ones that solve everyday annoyances—like odor, shedding, scratch damage, messy mealtimes or anxious behaviors.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
Other diamonds have spikier settings resembling thorns.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
27 May 2026
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Even with Wembanyama’s greatness, this series might come down to Castle’s ability to be a thorn for the two-time MVP.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
22 May 2026
Noun
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Asked about Valdez, Bis said law enforcement deployed chemical irritants including pepper balls, but not rubber bullets, after agitators attempted to breach the perimeter at Glass House Farms.—
Andrea Castillo,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2026
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Health experts said that methyl methacrylate — a flammable plastic epoxy that generates its own heat — is a respiratory irritant and potential exposure could lead to lung, skin and eye irritation, nausea and dizziness.—
Austin Turner,
CBS News,
24 May 2026
Noun
-
Footage of the game then showed George hobbling back to the dugout, slamming his helmet in frustration.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
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Then came a second, minor concussion in the Broncos’ wild-card matchup against the Bills, with Bryant trudging to the locker room in frustration after a monster opening quarter.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
26 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pest. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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