pestilential

adjective

Save Word

pes·ti·len·tial | \ ˌpe-stə-ˈlen(t)-shəl

Definition of pestilential

1a : causing or tending to cause pestilence : deadly

b : of or relating to pestilence

2 : morally harmful : pernicious

3 : giving rise to vexation or annoyance : irritating

Other Words from pestilential Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about pestilential

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of pestilential in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Our national experience with the role of state and local governments in casino gambling should have taught us that there is a world of difference between sensible reform and making government a revenue-seeking partner in a pestilential business. — The Editors, National Review, "Yes, the Feds Should Decriminalize Marijuana," 7 Dec. 2020 Adding to these burdens were the poor soil and periodic ravages of the pestilential boll weevil. — Trevor Paulhus, Smithsonian, "When the Socialist Revolution Came to Oklahoma—and Was Crushed," 19 Sep. 2019 But what if there is scant succor to be had, and our true natures are not noble but necrotic, pestilential? — Constance Grady, Vox, "Elite library sorters race to process books in cutthroat competition," 17 Nov. 2018 The classic treatise helped change public opinion of the Everglades from a pestilential swamp to a treasure that not only provides a home to distinctive flora and fauna but serves as the primary water source for the millions of residents of Florida. — Chelsea Greenwood Lassman, Teen Vogue, "Who Marjory Stoneman Douglas Was," 1 Mar. 2018 The academic writes a proposal for a research center where these ideas can be given a pestilential foothold, a source of viral infection hidden in a legitimate academic setting. — James Freeman, WSJ, "‘Historical Fiction’ at Duke," 19 Oct. 2017 There are other pestilential concerns, among them dengue fever and chikungunya, a virus that swept through the Caribbean a few years ago. — Matthew Segal, Los Angeles Magazine, "Buy All the Bug Spray: An Aggressive New Mosquito Is Buzzing Around," 13 Sep. 2017 But unlike other animals tagged as invasive and pestilential — like Burmese pythons, feral hogs, and snakehead fish — mute swans are widely beloved. — Brandon Keim, WIRED, "New Yorkers in Uproar Over Planned Mass-Killing of Swans," 6 Feb. 2014

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pestilential.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.