1
as in plagues
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 nuisances
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 headaches
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
Examples Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of pests
Watch for Pests Indoor plants are less likely to attract pests than plants in the garden, but pests can still occasionally find their way inside and wreak havoc on indoor plants.
—
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2024
Leaving a gap will help prevent rot and keep pests away from the trunk.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2024
Don’t use soil from the garden, which won’t drain well enough and can harbor pests or pathogens that will be difficult to eradicate.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024
To avoid issues, check your vegetables carefully for signs of pests and consider spraying outdoor plants preventatively with an organic insecticidal soap spray before bringing them indoors for overwintering.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Dec. 2024
Hard freezes, ice, and snow will damage or break canes, making plants more susceptible to pests and disease.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024
Higher temperatures have led to warmer winters and longer growing seasons, which contribute to the prevalence of pests and disease that damage the trees usually decorated for Christmas.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2024
Even if their crops survive pests and disease, Whitehill told CBS News that cosmetics are an issue, too.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2024
Move the pot to a sheltered spot in the shade and check it regularly for pests.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2024
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2024
Leaving a gap will help prevent rot and keep pests away from the trunk.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2024
Don’t use soil from the garden, which won’t drain well enough and can harbor pests or pathogens that will be difficult to eradicate.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024
To avoid issues, check your vegetables carefully for signs of pests and consider spraying outdoor plants preventatively with an organic insecticidal soap spray before bringing them indoors for overwintering.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Dec. 2024
Hard freezes, ice, and snow will damage or break canes, making plants more susceptible to pests and disease.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024
Higher temperatures have led to warmer winters and longer growing seasons, which contribute to the prevalence of pests and disease that damage the trees usually decorated for Christmas.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2024
Even if their crops survive pests and disease, Whitehill told CBS News that cosmetics are an issue, too.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2024
Move the pot to a sheltered spot in the shade and check it regularly for pests.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pests
Noun
-
It is considered an ancient remedy for altitude sickness and has other health benefits, like boosting energy, easing headaches, reducing fatigue and quenching thirst.Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
-
The common symptoms are nausea, stomach pain, fever, headaches, and body aches.Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
The Hightail also has drastically reduced maintenance needs, which remove frequent annoyances like engine rebuilds, oil changes, and air filter replacements.New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Dec. 2024
-
Much of the testimony, as is typical when corporate figures are summoned before Congress to discuss the public’s annoyances with their industries, was slippery.Melvin Backman, Quartz, 4 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Avoid direct contact with chemicals and any other irritants.Carrie Madormo, RN, Health, 24 Dec. 2024
-
Protection From Environmental Factors Protect your hands from environmental irritants by wearing good-quality gloves or mittens in cold, dry weather.Carrie Madormo, RN, Health, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Healthcare professionals have long struggled with abuse, often exacerbated by patient frustrations over long wait times and systemic inefficiencies.Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
-
Mangione, reportedly motivated by anger toward corporate practices, is said to have been driven by similar frustrations that these lawsuits target, especially concerning the inflated costs of essential drugs.Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near pests
Cite this Entry
“Pests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pests. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share