insect

noun

ˈin-ˌsekt How to pronounce insect (audio)
Definition of insectnext
as in dwarf
a person of no importance or influence the magazine's editor in chief was notorious for treating staffers as insects, often not even bothering to learn their names

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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 insect Health inspectors found one small roach-like insect on the floor in the back kitchen prep area. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026 But health experts also recommend covering bare skin, employing mosquito nets and using insect repellent, especially at night, when mosquito bites most often occur. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 2026 Scientists believe diseases that jump from animals or insects to humans are spreading faster because of deforestation, urbanization and global warming. — Zane Irwin, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 In exchange for luring in insects, Cassiope might happily provide some of its resources to Pedicularis. — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insect
  1. dwarf
  2. cipher
  3. nobody
  4. lightweight
  5. number
Noun
  • When a larger galaxy pulls apart a smaller dwarf galaxy, the dwarf’s stars can stretch into a stream — a cosmic breadcrumb trail of that encounter.
    — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Some small plants that do well in shallow water are dwarf water lilies, water forget-me-nots, water mint, and dwarf sedge varieties.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of dwarf
Noun
  • But in my view, our relationships to animals, whose lives are untouched by the existential woes and artifices of personhood, are the richest and most evident ciphers for our own often inscrutable psyches.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 June 2026
  • Consider a dashboard that shows applications, including keys and libraries; network traffic protocols and ciphers; hardware, such as HSMs and TPMs; and third-party dependencies, including cryptographic or software bills of materials.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Definition of cipher
Noun
  • In the trailer, the civilians are selling themselves as a new breed of nobodies.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Despite the tragicomic instability and the rotating cast of nobodies temporarily tasked with running the country, when seen in macroeconomic terms, Peru appears to be doing just fine, thank you.
    — Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 4 June 2026
Definition of nobody
Noun
  • Plus, the fabric is soft and stretchy with a lightweight feel that’s ideal for warmer months.
    — Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The result is a lightweight, hydrating formula that can be mixed on the move, minus the mess.
    — Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of lightweight
Noun
  • Higgins was also there in person to witness the bargain go down and the specific number — 10 — of dates reached.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
  • But in older adults, the relationship between body weight and health may be more complicated than a number on the scale.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of number

Browse Nearby Words

in secret
insect
insecticide
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insect. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on insect

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about insect

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