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
In the case of restaurant closures related to vermin infestations, some pest control companies offer emergency services to help facilities pass re-inspection quickly.
—
Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2025
There are optometry roll-ups, pest control roll-ups, carwash roll-ups, laundromat roll-ups, and multiple financial advisory firm roll-ups, of which Edelman is among the oldest and biggest.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 12 June 2025
Such an innovation could be used, for example, in pest control or to limit the spread of disease.
—Eva Amsen, JSTOR Daily, 11 June 2025
Suiter, who is an extension entomologist, does some work in the pest control industry.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2025
There are optometry roll-ups, pest control roll-ups, carwash roll-ups, laundromat roll-ups, and multiple financial advisory firm roll-ups, of which Edelman is among the oldest and biggest.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 12 June 2025
Such an innovation could be used, for example, in pest control or to limit the spread of disease.
—Eva Amsen, JSTOR Daily, 11 June 2025
Suiter, who is an extension entomologist, does some work in the pest control industry.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 10 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
-
Reactions to the sudden move varied: Those in the community who considered the festival a nuisance were relieved.—
Adriana Pérez,
Chicago Tribune,
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
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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
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Some of those annoyances include busier streets, increased housing prices and tourist traffic.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2025
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But investors’ annoyance over his answers pointed to Walgreens’ much deeper problems.—
Phil Wahba,
Fortune,
17 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
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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
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After some visible frustration in his post-round presser Thursday, despite posting a 67, Hensby said Friday he’d felt thrown off the previous day by NBC Sports’ TV crew following him.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pest. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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