Synonyms of pesky

pesky

adjective

ˈpe-skē 

as in annoying

causing annoyance

the pesky problem of what to do with all the leftovers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• annoying
• frustrating
• irritating
• disturbing
• aggravating
• irksome
• vexing
• bothersome
• maddening
• nettlesome
• exasperating
• vexatious
• pestiferous
• pestilential
• pesty
• painful
• abrasive
• pestilent
• plaguey
• galling
• troublesome
• chafing
• rankling
• distractive
• peeving
• nettling
• rebarbative
• carking
• riling
• troubling
• mischievous
• biting
• stressful
• infuriating
• burdensome
• importunate
• displeasing
• upsetting
• disquieting
• distressing
• tiresome
• discomforting
• offensive
• worrisome
• inconveniencing
• enraging
• angering
• thorny
• spiny
• trying
• bratty
• importune
• brattish
• jarring
• grating
• jangling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• delightful
• pleasing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pesky

The cooling layer is designed to wick moisture while keeping your skin cool, preventing those pesky night sweats. — Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026

Two pesky black bars flank the viewing experience on an already small screen. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 3 Aug. 2026

While OpenAI assured the public the situation was under control, the pesky agent apparently infected a customer of Modal Labs, an executive of that company confirmed Tuesday. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

Scroll on to learn why this pesky stickiness occurs—and how to get rid of it. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 31 July 2026