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
Like peppers, tomatoes share garden pests with okra.
—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
9 June 2026
The pest threatens livestock, wildlife, pets and, in rare instances, humans.
—
Yun Li,
CNBC,
6 June 2026
However, to avoid transferring problems to your other houseplants during this period, quarantine the citrus and watch for pests.
—
Special To The Denver Post,
Denver Post,
5 June 2026
There are pests to deal with like the corn earworm that aggressively chewed away at corn crops in recent years.
—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
9 June 2026
The pest threatens livestock, wildlife, pets and, in rare instances, humans.
—
Yun Li,
CNBC,
6 June 2026
However, to avoid transferring problems to your other houseplants during this period, quarantine the citrus and watch for pests.
—
Special To The Denver Post,
Denver Post,
5 June 2026
There are pests to deal with like the corn earworm that aggressively chewed away at corn crops in recent years.
—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pest
Noun
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Post-pandemic issues like business exodus, homelessness, crime, and litter plague North American cities.
-
Why did the plague kill so many children?
Noun
-
Someone decides what counts as cultivation and what counts as nuisance, what gets watered and what gets pulled, what belongs in the planned bed and what must be removed before visitors arrive.
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Many people view heat as an annual summer nuisance but have no reference for differentiating dangerous extreme events.
Noun
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That’s when the real headache for businesses began, as customs checks, border controls and reams of paperwork came into force.
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But the move enabled Florida to lock in what will be one of the best top-six forward groups in the league, slotting Brady Tkachuck into the left wing spot on the second line alongside center Sam Bennett and right wing Matthew Tkachuk that will cause opponents major headaches.
Noun
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The Warriors don’t need a teenager who needs a map to find the weight room — some long-term project who turns tantalization into annoyance — just add time.
-
SpongeBob and his best friend Patrick show care and loyalty to each other, as well as conflict, annoyance, and repair.
Noun
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Every single product is impeccable; the only thorn in any of their sides is the admittedly high price point.
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The match was set, and now Rhodes will defend the title against the two thorns in his side since before Clash in Italy.
Noun
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And for little ones with whose cheeks might be chafed due to diaper rash, the Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste helps seal out wetness and irritants to protect skin.
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The sap contains irritants that create a blistering reaction upon contact with the skin.
Noun
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Those frustrations could be on the verge of boiling over.
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But without knowing the reasons behind those decisions, the criticism amounts to nothing more than frustrations over unmet expectations.
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pest. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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