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
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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
The department issued an order to cease operations at the supermarket after observing pest activity during a routine inspection on March 25.
—
Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Because while the insects currently hopping across Arizona are seen as a pest, the chapulín represents history, culture, identity, and a source of protein that has accompanied entire generations in Mexico.
—Nadia Cantú, AZCentral.com, 25 Mar. 2026
But once one imagines this giant, disturbing, absurd pest as the size of a toddler, much of his behavior starts to look toddlerlike, from his fumbling to learn gross motor coordination to his pickiness about meals and his desire to hang from the ceiling.
—Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Industry reaction Chlorpyrifos is used to control different kinds of pests, like termites, mosquitoes and roundworms, among crops, according to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at Oregon State University.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Because while the insects currently hopping across Arizona are seen as a pest, the chapulín represents history, culture, identity, and a source of protein that has accompanied entire generations in Mexico.
—Nadia Cantú, AZCentral.com, 25 Mar. 2026
But once one imagines this giant, disturbing, absurd pest as the size of a toddler, much of his behavior starts to look toddlerlike, from his fumbling to learn gross motor coordination to his pickiness about meals and his desire to hang from the ceiling.
—Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Industry reaction Chlorpyrifos is used to control different kinds of pests, like termites, mosquitoes and roundworms, among crops, according to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at Oregon State University.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pest
Noun
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The team treats patients against a backdrop of all-too-common American societal plagues, from substance use disorder to medical bankruptcies and mass shootings.—
Jeffrey Tully,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
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Anthrax in early Egypt may have been one of the plagues described in the Bible.—
Hannah Kinzer,
The Conversation,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The pests have been a nuisance in the foothills for years.—
Nicole Comstock,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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Some customers found Buc-ees pay-at-the-pump policy to be a minor nuisance.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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However, the ink was barely dry when new revelations emerged last week that pose a fresh headache for Cannon.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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Authorities said Koc and Alshmari attacked the victim, causing a split lip and headaches.—
Madeline Bartos,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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What This Means for South Florida’s Outdoor Diners For the millions of residents and visitors who eat outdoors along South Florida’s coast each year, the research reframes a familiar annoyance.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
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In order to make sure horses keep their cool among loud, unpredictable crowds, officers do desensitization training with speakers, sirens, inflatable tube men, kazoos, fireworks, flags and all manner of annoyances.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Odor is a botanical defense mechanism as much as thistles and thorns.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The spirit of the endeavor can forgive a lot, with some clumsy filmmaking that doesn’t seem to be an intentional homage, such as a slapdash set-up to Helen’s murderous ways and a slightly tacked-on feeling opening involving a film critic who has been a thorn in Jack’s side.—
Stephen Saito,
Variety,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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There certainly are harmful chemicals, carcinogens, toxins, heavy metals, respiratory irritants and other things inside of there that certainly can cause immediate harm.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
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That's because these substances accumulate quickly in bedding and create an ideal environment for dust mites and other irritants.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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New transparency tools aim to help travelers understand disruptions and reduce frustration during delays and cancellations.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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And while the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved covering the overrun, most of which will come from the county's unrestricted fund balance, frustration is clearly building.—
Ubah Ali,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pest. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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