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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of pest
Outer openings not protected against entry of pests (back door).
—
Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Brewer thinks that's why coffee grounds are being recommended for everything from organic fertilizer to pest control to a way to change hydrangea bloom color.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2025
Like the black midges that hover around your forehead in the heat this time of year, another unwelcome summertime pest is the string of new state taxes unleashed upon us each year.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Evan’s already convinced a host of Southern California homeowners to entrust him with their pest control needs and is on his way to making tens of thousands of dollars this summer.
—Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Brewer thinks that's why coffee grounds are being recommended for everything from organic fertilizer to pest control to a way to change hydrangea bloom color.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2025
Like the black midges that hover around your forehead in the heat this time of year, another unwelcome summertime pest is the string of new state taxes unleashed upon us each year.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Evan’s already convinced a host of Southern California homeowners to entrust him with their pest control needs and is on his way to making tens of thousands of dollars this summer.
—Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pest
Noun
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Ticket Information The crypt beneath the historic St Bride’s Church on Fleet Street contains Roman pavements, medieval foundations, and even plague burial sites.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
-
Health and safety issues plague hotels used as emergency shelters across the state.—
Spencer Norris,
ProPublica,
24 June 2025
Noun
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Neighbors call in concerned about true nuisances that could affect the enjoyment of their private property.—
Andrew Wimer,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
Angry residents would sabotage the robotaxis with the help of traffic cones, while the city’s fire department chief herself would regularly malign them as a dangerous nuisance.—
Christiaan Hetzner,
Fortune,
22 June 2025
Noun
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The variant has similar symptoms to other strains, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion or a runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
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These included headaches, hand pain, forearm pain, nerve damage in his left elbow, fatigue, decreased stamina and erectile dysfunction, according to the lawsuit.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2025
Noun
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The injunctions have been a thorn in the side of administrations from both parties, with aggrieved parties often filing in specific, favorable courts that would then issue nationwide stays on presidential orders.—
Peter Aitken
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 June 2025
-
For nearly half a century, Iran has been a thorn in the side of the world, killing and maiming American soldiers, butchering Israeli citizens, threatening its neighbors and fostering terror around the world.—
Chris Roemer,
Baltimore Sun,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
To the gag order and constant annoyance with any attention the case gets.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
-
This means that the auditoriums and school gyms and other places where these workers pull long days should be properly air conditioned and stocked with fans, water, ice, electrolyte solutions, and whatever else is needed to ensure the heat remains more of an annoyance than a lethal danger.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
24 June 2025
Noun
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To ensure your natural deodorant best suits your needs, be sure to read the label for ingredients that are potential irritants, allergens, or unwanted chemicals.—
Laura Harold,
Outside Online,
14 June 2025
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Demonstrations sparked by surprise ICE raids have cropped up across the nation, including in Austin, where police used chemical irritants to disperse several hundred demonstrators.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
11 June 2025
Noun
-
The briefings were initially planned for earlier in the week but were postponed, to the frustration of the delegation.—
Lisa Hagen,
Hartford Courant,
28 June 2025
-
San Francisco tied it in the top of the third inning when Wilmer Flores, a day removed from his frustrations against Miami, pulled a double down the left-field line that allowed Bailey to score.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pest. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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