as in plague
a widespread disease resulting in a high rate of death
the fear that terrorists could unleash a pestilence that would wreak unspeakable havoc
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Recent Examples of pestilence
Parks turned into deserts, great skyscrapers leveled by blows from the tails of the monsters, and the entire population threatened in the panic and pestilence that followed the invasion.
—
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Horses, donkeys, camels, and herds and flocks of other livestock die from the pestilence.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
31 Mar. 2026
As an example, the celestial dog was thought to aid the sun in causing the intense heat, drought and pestilence of summer.
—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Judith is the recipient of the pestilence, Agnes stays by her side, Dad is M.I.A.
—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pestilence
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Horses, donkeys, camels, and herds and flocks of other livestock die from the pestilence.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
31 Mar. 2026
As an example, the celestial dog was thought to aid the sun in causing the intense heat, drought and pestilence of summer.
—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Judith is the recipient of the pestilence, Agnes stays by her side, Dad is M.I.A.
—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pestilence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pestilence
plague
Noun
-
Post-pandemic issues like business exodus, homelessness, crime, and litter plague North American cities.
-
Why did the plague kill so many children?
Cite this Entry
“Pestilence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pestilence. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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