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
  • Too often, this means taxpayer dollars are fueling the very gun violence that plagues neighborhoods and communities nationwide.
    Kris Brown, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 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
  • What to know about rabbit fever Caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis, the disease commonly infects rabbits, hares and rodents.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The parasite infects food that has come into contact with human feces, most commonly when produce is irrigated or washed with contaminated water.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • And yet, in Yoon’s hands, a character’s suffering never overwhelms their capacity for tenderness.
    Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Researchers have developed a new control framework that enables humanoid robots to perform agile movements, including army crawls, breakdancing and backflips.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Markets do not hold still for a year and a half while your deal crawls through due diligence.
    Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Infests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infests. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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