infested

past tense of infest
as in plagued
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 infested If the mulch is infested with pests or weed seeds, removal is a good idea. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025 These invasive ticks so heavily infested an Ohio farm in 2021 that three cows died from blood loss. Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Oct. 2025 Clean your grimy phone If your devices become sticky, crusty or crumb-infested, Ek said to wipe them down with a clean, dry cloth, followed by a disinfectant wipe. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2025 When left unattended in a basement for a prolonged period, things are bound to acquire mold and mildew or become infested with unwelcome guests. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025 The home was hoarded, covered in refuse and infested with insects. Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 23 Sep. 2025 Pathologists soon discovered that some remains were infested with bluebottle fly larvae. Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025 The latter being especially notable in one of the later levels, which is infested by body-horror-type monstrosities, as their screams are genuinely unnerving. Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 The two lakes — as well as the connecting Kohlman and Keller lakes — will be listed as infested. Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infested
Verb
  • Advertisement The investigation and its many turns The investigation was plagued by mistakes, leaks, and false leads.
    Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
  • If a fungal infection plagued your shrubs, rake up diseased leaves and dispose of them before adding a layer of mulch.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In cells infected with influenza A, FOOD and F-ApoEVs contained viral proteins and even whole virions, which are the complete, infectious viral particles that exist outside a host cell.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The turmoil created by the revolving door of owners infected the clubhouse.
    Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Modern Wall Street has killed just about everything cool that walks or crawled at one time or another.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The van’s driver then crawled out of his vehicle’s window, crossed over a median and was instantly struck by a car speeding in the opposite direction, which was broadcast by the news helicopter following the chase.
    Brian Niemietz, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The offensive line has made progress since they were overwhelmed by Miami's front seven in Week 1, but the unit will be without a key member for the next few games.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
  • That’s according to data conducted by The Harris Poll for Nift, a double-sided marketplace that allows companies to incentivize consumers with gift cards, shows that more than 60 percent of consumers are overwhelmed by the number of ads brands and retailers present to them.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Infested.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infested. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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