Definition of infestnext
as in to plague
to spread or swarm over in a troublesome manner in desperation, we called in an exterminator because the house was infested with ants

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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 infest Hives can become infested with Varroa mites, which infect the bees with flight-robbing viruses. Joan Morris, Mercury News, 29 June 2026 The paths through the bush are infested with these ticks, as are many back yards. Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 One possibility is beneficial nematodes — microscopic wormlike creatures that can infest and kill grubs. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026 Remove the stems that are heavily infested. Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for infest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infest
Verb
  • But one low-key issue plaguing the KC staff is the long ball.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
  • Housing affordability continues to plague buyers The new law arrives as housing affordability remains strained.
    Sarah Agostino,Mike Winters, CNBC, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • How can you get infected by cyclosporiasis You can get infected by cyclosporiasis by eating food or drinking water that has the parasite cyclospora, according to the CDC.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
  • The heat-loving parasite infects the bowels and spreads through feces.
    Mike Stobbe, Fortune, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Whereas the summer conditions might require weekly weeding just to keep your flower beds from being overrun.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 12 July 2026
  • But as lead runner Otto López neared home, Kwan threw to second, where trail runner Kyle Stowers overran the bag and was tagged for the third out before López touched the plate.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • Tents As a teenager, crawling into a small A-frame tent was a rite of passage.
    Clay Abney, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2026
  • With fervent editing, careful scene geography, and assured direction, the walk before the run can be tense enough to send viewers crawling out of their seats, willing the fugitive onscreen to get a move on already.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • The steak was smoky and tender, with the kind of char that lingers without overwhelming the meat.
    Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Going forward, Fedorov said, in order to overwhelm Russia’s recruitment pipeline, the country’s armed forces would aim to take out fifty thousand per month.
    Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Infest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infest. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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