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
Even as a tree’s crown is rejuvenated, the diversity and populations of insects and spiders were found to quickly recover – an important consideration for natural pest control.
—
Troy Aidan Sambajon, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Apr. 2025
This is most likely the Paper Wasp, a common Texas pest.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025
Rosin produced with outdoor flower is more susceptible to microbial contamination and pest infestation, requiring more pesticide treatments and potentially remediation.
—David Goldburg, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
Using other plants to minimize unwanted insects is a natural way for pest control.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
Troy Aidan Sambajon, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Apr. 2025
This is most likely the Paper Wasp, a common Texas pest.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025
Rosin produced with outdoor flower is more susceptible to microbial contamination and pest infestation, requiring more pesticide treatments and potentially remediation.
—David Goldburg, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
Using other plants to minimize unwanted insects is a natural way for pest control.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pest
Noun
-
Others get their start in spring and plague the summer lawn.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
5 Apr. 2025
-
That said, consumption changes continue to plague cable.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
While the Black Series trailers are no longer a problem for City of Industry and Los Angeles County authorities, Wildomar officials say the trailers are now a nuisance for them.—
Nathan Solis,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Both communities have spotlighted the importance of responsible tourism, where travelers are respectful and supportive of the local community, without being a nuisance or irresponsible.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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But string and yarn can become a headache for owners if their cats get their paws on it, which is exactly what happened to TikTok user @healingat40.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
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The dietitian said grape skins also contain tannins, which have antioxidant properties and help give red wine a distinct flavor, but they may also be linked to headaches.—
Amy McGorry,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
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Lai, a pugnacious former publisher whose now shuttered tabloid Apple Daily was a regular thorn in Beijing’s side, is in the midst of a national security trial that could send him to prison for life.—
Juliana Liu,
CNN Money,
10 May 2025
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The absence of Curry will be a big thorn in the Warriors' side as he's been great these playoffs.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 May 2025
Noun
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This, predictably, doesn’t go over well with Ellie, who refuses to take the assignment and mockingly shouts about her secret Cordyceps immunity to Tommy’s annoyance.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2025
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Well, this wasn't the only instance of Scheffler's annoyance affecting him.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Designed with sensitive skin in mind, this lippie is free from fragrance, essential oils, flavor and other common irritants.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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Gentle, cleansing baths can help ease skin irritation and clear pollen and other irritants from fur as well.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Particularly if Devers' frustration in Boston grows.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 May 2025
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The night was maddening enough that, after the sixth inning, Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior was ejected for expressing his frustration with home-plate umpire Jeremie Rehak’s strike zone — the first ejection of Prior’s baseball life.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pest. Accessed 15 May. 2025.
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