infests

present tense third-person singular of infest
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

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 infests That essence is slimy, stinky and unrelenting, as reflected in the mass of algae that infests the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 23 June 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infests
Verb
  • More bureaucracy — in the form of the new stand-alone Department of Gun Violence Reduction — while well-intentioned, isn’t the panacea to what plagues our city, especially as whoever is appointed head of this new department will enjoy too much independence from the mayor.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
  • 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
  • Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects food that has come into contact with human feces, most commonly when produce is irrigated or washed with contaminated water.
    Savannah Peters, Fortune, 18 July 2026
  • Cyclospora outbreak spans dozens of states Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the intestinal tract and can cause prolonged diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, bloating and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • One person has died and rescues are underway as catastrophic flooding overwhelms the Hill Country, a little more than a year after the July 4 floods killed more than 130 people in Central Texas.
    Mary Ella Hastings July 16, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
  • Furniture that is too large for a room overwhelms it; ensure your furniture is appropriate for your room size and the other pieces in that room.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • Footage of the moment shows Menitoff acting as if nothing is happening as the bug crawls on her.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 16 July 2026
  • Seltz’s system crawls hundreds of millions of pages a day, and returns results in under 200 milliseconds.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Infests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infests. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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