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 Otherwise, the flour could go stale in a few months or become infested by bugs in the pantry. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2026 Inspectors noted a rice bucket was heavily infested with roaches. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Sep. 2026 The inspection followed a hunger strike by detainees, who in a letter, complained about rotten or worm-infested food, medical neglect, and being coerced into signing deportation orders. — Vanessa Romo, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026 Authorities are investigating after human remains at a Chicago funeral home were allegedly found decaying in an unrefrigerated area infested with rodents. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for infest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infest
Verb
  • The lawsuit alleges the project was plagued with sloppy workmanship and insufficient oversight.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
  • But the same issues that plagued him a year ago — interceptions and an inability to see the field — have carried over to this season.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Outlining a bioweapon doomsday scenario, the report said novel pathogens could be created in a lab, delivered to target locations, and spread to infect large populations of people in multiple places.
    — Barbara Ortutay, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
  • She is actually infected, and Bryan has become caught up in the franchise’s inciting t-virus outbreak.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Otherwise, the defence failed to defend, the midfield got overrun and the attack was so insipid that Wrexham managed just one shot on target — George Dobson’s 35th-minute effort that Konstantinos Mavropanos blocked just in front of the goal line.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • In England, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the star as Leeds overran a flimsy Newcastle side.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • There’s also a less than 10% chance of showers, if one of the hurricanes crawls farther up the coast, according to Wofford.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Throughout the spring, there are fests crawling up both coasts and in between, too.
    — Norma A. Orovitz, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Volunteers will remove vines and other vegetation that can overwhelm young trees and shrubs and, when conditions permit, plant new trees and shrubs.
    — Susan Soldavin, Baltimore Sun, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Christian McCaffrey became the fourth-fastest player in the Super Bowl era with 100 career touchdowns, Brock Purdy played a near-perfect game and the 49ers overwhelmed the Miami Dolphins 35-13 on Sunday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Infest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infest. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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