as in nuisance
one who is obnoxiously annoying
the journalist was known as a gadfly for exposing hypocrisy in politics
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Recent Examples of gadfly
Like any gadfly, Kennedy’s willingness to challenge institutions and conventional wisdom has sometimes led him to question things that needed questioning, not least during the Covid era’s riot of hubris and deceit in the public health sector.
—
The Editors, National Review, 29 Jan. 2025
Keith Turner, along with political gadfly Margaret Carrasco, filed objections to her candidacy petitions last month.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025
When Zeus took a liking to princess Io, Hera turned her into a heifer, then sent a gadfly – like a horse fly – to sting her constantly.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2025
Also trailing on the ballot were Jack Potter and political gadfly Margaret Carrasco.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gadfly
The Editors, National Review, 29 Jan. 2025
Keith Turner, along with political gadfly Margaret Carrasco, filed objections to her candidacy petitions last month.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025
When Zeus took a liking to princess Io, Hera turned her into a heifer, then sent a gadfly – like a horse fly – to sting her constantly.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2025
Also trailing on the ballot were Jack Potter and political gadfly Margaret Carrasco.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gadfly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gadfly
Noun
-
Resurging opposition to fluoridation — the practice of adding fluoride to public water systems at safe levels to prevent tooth decay — has been a nuisance for dentists, researchers and public health experts.—
Angela Palermo,
Idaho Statesman,
12 May 2025
-
How to get rid of gnats Generally, gnats are more of a nuisance than an actual threat to humans.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
7 May 2025
Noun
-
This perennial prairie native thrives in poor soil and summer heat, tolerating drought, deer, and pests.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
18 May 2025
-
Corteva supplies farmers with products for pest and disease control, as well as seeds, livestock feed and nutrient maximizers, which help stabilize nitrogen levels in the soil.—
Brett Owens,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Noun
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When Murderbot finally starts voicing its annoyance to Mensah and the team, the series gets a lot more entertaining.—
Kristen Baldwin,
EW.com,
12 May 2025
-
There will be tension within and between the couples; some of their annoyance may in turn annoy the viewer.—
Robert Lloyd,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gadfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gadfly. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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