Synonyms of infest

infest

verb

in-ˈfest 

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

• plague
• infect
• overrun
• crawl
• overwhelm
• abound
• beset
• annoy
• contaminate
• teem
• overspread
• pester

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of infest

The same invasive insect was found to have infested grapevines sold at select Northern California Costco warehouses earlier this year, also triggering a major response to try to limit the insect’s impact. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Crerand was born amid the sometimes squalid and crime-infested streets of the Gorbals area of Glasgow, to Sarah and Michael, of Irish and staunch Roman Catholic faith. — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 13 July 2026

Earwigs primarily feed on plants and decomposing organic matter and do not infest or damage stored food in the way some beetles, weevils, and moths might. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026

When an animal is infested, vets remove the larvae and disinfect the wound with a medicine that can treat and prevent further infestation. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 5 July 2026