as in plagues
to spread or swarm over in a troublesome manner
in desperation, we called in an exterminator because the house was infested with ants
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Recent Examples of infests
The Lifeform spawns from a black, bacterial mold that infests the yellow wallpaper and moist carpets.
—
Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
That’s a feeling of inadequacy that not only infests Ruben’s mind, but Niall’s as well.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 29 May 2026
These parasites and their eggs contaminate soil, which then infests drinking water and food, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
—Jenna Anderson, Health, 8 Aug. 2025
Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
That’s a feeling of inadequacy that not only infests Ruben’s mind, but Niall’s as well.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 29 May 2026
These parasites and their eggs contaminate soil, which then infests drinking water and food, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
—Jenna Anderson, Health, 8 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infests
Verb
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No, what plagues the Padres is so much deeper.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 June 2026
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Odd moment plagues fourth quarter As the Knicks held on to their fairly sizable lead, a fan ran onto the court, tried to take a selfie with Wembanyama but was quickly apprehended by security.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Tomato Wilt Due To Root-Knot Nematodes Another pest that infects tomato plants below ground is the root-knot nematode.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
21 June 2026
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But even with federal legislation prohibiting discrimination, the pernicious virus of bias infects too many institutions.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Bold pink, yellow, and blue tile typically overwhelms a bathroom, dictates its overall color scheme, and limits decor choices.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 June 2026
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If 21st-century technology overwhelms our 18th-century institutions—if social media and AI destroy our capacity to think independently, evaluate facts, and recognize truth—Americans aren’t the only ones who will pay the price.—
Jeffrey Rosen,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2026
Verb
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At sunset, the city starts glowing around you while traffic crawls silently below.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
28 May 2026
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Critics on the Croisette are starting to resemble that classic comic-strip panel in which an explorer crawls desperately across the sand toward an oasis that’s only a mirage.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Infests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infests. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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