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 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 It was speculated that the trees were planted in that area due to the shipment having been heavily infested with insects and diseases, according to the National Park Service. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 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 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, 26 June 2026 Remove the stems that are heavily infested. Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 24 June 2026 Waxman died in 2005, at the age of 81, and the collection has not been maintained for at least a decade, neighbors say, now overgrown and infested with invasive vines. Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026 Use hot water to wash any clothing that could have been infested. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infested
Verb
  • Aside from the peeling of the waterproof coating, the reflecting pool has been plagued by an algae bloom, a persistent problem due to Washington’s high heat during the summer and the pool’s shallow depth, which creates an ideal biological incubator.
    Philip Wang, Time, 6 July 2026
  • Now fully healthy after knee injuries plagued his rookie season, Thiero’s versatility in summer league could potentially translate to regular-season minutes.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • People become infected with the illness by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with the parasite — the infection is not transmitted from person to person.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Once infected, a person usually begins experiencing symptoms about a week later, though onset can range from two days to over two weeks.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • So, while the Dodgers crawled out of the hole with a season-high 17 hits, the steep cost heightens the pressure on the rest of the rotation the rest of the series.
    Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Unlike text or images, robotic manipulation data cannot be crawled from the internet.
    Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • But the ownership group is overwhelmed by left-wing politics.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Tipu’s kingdom finally fell in 1799, when British and allied forces overwhelmed his fortress at Seringapatam, a few hours’ drive from present-day Bangalore.
    Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Infested.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infested. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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