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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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
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Early has been significantly better on the road than at home this year, a problem that plagues the team as a whole.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
3 June 2026
Verb
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Powdery mildew fungi are host-specific, meaning each fungal species only infects specific plant species.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
25 May 2026
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Orthoebolaviruses are also known to cause hemorrhagic fever, in which the virus infects specific immune cells, triggering a massive inflammatory response that can lead to internal bleeding and organ failure.—
Claire Maldarelli,
Scientific American,
22 May 2026
Verb
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Wild scenes unfold as social media teen meetup overwhelms popular beach.—
,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
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This high-corn composition lays the foundation for a sweet, approachable profile, while the modest rye content adds a measured spice that never overwhelms.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
30 May 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 5 Jun. 2026.
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