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
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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of pest
If the area appears heavily infested, call in pest control professionals.
—
Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025
Tough, undemanding, and rarely bothered by pests, a cheery patch of daffodils can last for generations.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025
Damage to the leaves could introduce pathogens or attract pests, which could impact the ability of the plant to flower next year.
—Abigayle Ward, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2025
Wash dust and pests from indoor plant foliage with a mild soapy solution.
83.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025
Tough, undemanding, and rarely bothered by pests, a cheery patch of daffodils can last for generations.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025
Damage to the leaves could introduce pathogens or attract pests, which could impact the ability of the plant to flower next year.
—Abigayle Ward, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2025
Wash dust and pests from indoor plant foliage with a mild soapy solution.
83.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pest
Noun
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Of course, the Pythons didn’t live through the plague themselves—and today, their sketch likely renders very differently for viewers who have undergone an experience of mass death.—
Lily Meyer,
The Atlantic,
11 Mar. 2025
-
In my opinion, movies don’t get much better than this timelessly urgent piece of art that is far from a simple morality tale, that never offers easy answers to cyclically present problems that plague society.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Along with claims of trespass and nuisance, Energy Transfer alleges that Greenpeace defamed the company to its financial backers.—
Jennifer Safstrom,
The Conversation,
11 Mar. 2025
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While some travelers may view passing through the security line as a nuisance, TSA plays a critical role in the safety of traveling throughout the U.S. – and their work expands far beyond airports.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA TODAY,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Skeptics point to volatility, security headaches, and the risk of distorting bitcoin markets if a major government holds too large a stake.—
Dave Birnbaum,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
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These side effects include hot flashes, nausea, calf cramps, skin itching or burning, headaches, abdominal discomforts, and fatigue.18 6.—
Emmanuella Ogbonna,
Health,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Every detail aligned with the central motif of the rose—even the bag handles were accented with thorns.—
Kristen Bateman,
Vogue,
8 Mar. 2025
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Because of that, the switchbacks are mostly covered in chunks of wood and small branches, some with thorns.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Even many non-conservatives believe Newsom seems to treat the governor’s job as an annoyance that gets in the way of more important business.—
Steven Greenhut,
Orange County Register,
16 Mar. 2025
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In a 2023 survey of more than 1,500 travelers by Only Wanderlust, chatty seat neighbors were identified as a top 20 airplane annoyance.—
Zach Wichter,
USA TODAY,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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It's usually caused by long-term exposure to environmental irritants such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, allergens, air pollution and dust, explains Dr. Kunal Bakshi, a primary care physician at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.—
Daryl Austin,
USA TODAY,
12 Mar. 2025
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Environmental factors: Exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, or chemical fumes can increase your risk.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Many channeled their frustration by pivoting their allegiance to Moroney.—
Tomás Mier,
Rolling Stone,
12 Mar. 2025
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Often, the urge to control how things unfold leads to frustration, impulsive decisions and unnecessary stress.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pest. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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