GADFLY Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

gadfly

noun

ˈgad-ˌflī

Definition of gadfly

as in nuisance

one who is obnoxiously annoying the journalist was known as a gadfly for exposing hypocrisy in politics

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of gadfly But the May 5 Democratic primary election, which pits a progressive newcomer and a longtime political gadfly against an incumbent with strong ties to Indy Democrats, could act as a proxy for voters' feelings about the party establishment. — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026 Anyone can sue claiming violations — even the eyeroll-inducing gadfly ranting at meetings. — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2026 Their false claims about getting financially fleeced by Uncle Sam were fueled by a rather sophisticated, albeit deceitful and shameful lobbying campaign, sponsored by greedy gadflies out to make a quick buck. — Tom Margenau, Dallas Morning News, 1 Feb. 2026 Among those present at the annual David Horowitz Freedom Center retreat in 2017 was a young Candace Owens, then striving to make her mark as a black conservative gadfly on social media. — Andrew Cockburn, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gadfly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gadfly

Noun

Residents say the coyote had been a nuisance in the area since January, when a neighbor began feeding it.

— Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Benjamin was charged with allegedly obstructing a police officer and being a public nuisance.

— Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of nuisance

Noun

Thallium, an ingredient in an insecticide used to kill pests in the child’s home, was confirmed via urine testing — the baby had accidentally ingested it.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026
The presence of pests such as cockroaches would only lose a restaurant two points, Dietrich pointed out as an example.

— David Raynor, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of pest

Noun

The Serbian leader had long been seen as an unpredictable annoyance, and his balancing act wasn’t particularly subtle.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
This, Barbera said, can be a programming annoyance as well as a knock on an otherwise good film.

— Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of annoyance

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gadflies

gadfly

gadget

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“Gadfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gadfly. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of gadfly

noun

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