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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Recent Examples of insect
Since only male mosquitoes would be released, officials say the insects would not bite people or spread disease.
—
Alyssa Dzikowski, CBS News, 4 June 2026
This exciting new study shows that insects can learn and change their behavior in ways scientists are only just starting to understand, Natalie Hempel de Ibarra, an associate professor of neuroethology at the University of Exeter in England, said in an email.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
Endless varieties of insect larvae also make astonishingly effective baits, but few fishermen — except ice-fishermen who buy mealworms and waxworms in bait shops — even use them.
—Byron W. Dalrymple, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
That has led to water savings of more than 8.5 million gallons annually, and looks even prettier while benefiting local wildlife and insects, said Schillinger-Brokaw, who led the project.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for insect
Alyssa Dzikowski, CBS News, 4 June 2026
This exciting new study shows that insects can learn and change their behavior in ways scientists are only just starting to understand, Natalie Hempel de Ibarra, an associate professor of neuroethology at the University of Exeter in England, said in an email.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
Endless varieties of insect larvae also make astonishingly effective baits, but few fishermen — except ice-fishermen who buy mealworms and waxworms in bait shops — even use them.
—Byron W. Dalrymple, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
That has led to water savings of more than 8.5 million gallons annually, and looks even prettier while benefiting local wildlife and insects, said Schillinger-Brokaw, who led the project.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for insect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insect
Noun
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Clues from smaller galaxies To help resolve this mystery, researchers also study much smaller systems, known as dwarf galaxies, which orbit the Milky Way.—
Christopher Karwin,
The Conversation,
8 June 2026
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Until then, the two dwarf galaxy siblings will stick together, even if the big brother does continue to pick on the little one.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
7 June 2026
Noun
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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
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As zonky cross-generational ciphers go, the group’s debut, Strictly 4 the Scythe, is no Hypnotize Camp Posse, the amalgam of Three 6 Mafia and a grip of artists signed to their Hypnotize Minds label in the early 2000s.—
Dylan Green,
Pitchfork,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Unlike some of his more strapping forebears (think Liam Neeson, Kevin Costner, or Aaron Eckhart), Odenkirk specializes in nobodies and normals: people one would not expect to be killing machines.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
16 Apr. 2026
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After all, why listen to a podcast with two nobodies co-hosting when a listener can get an hour from a familiar celebrity.—
Frank Racioppi,
Forbes.com,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Shop lightweight and breathable pairs that still look polished, including these pleated trousers.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
2 June 2026
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Is the fabric lightweight and likely to tangle?—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 June 2026
Noun
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Some fans also pointed out the designs appeared to contain 13 clouds, the singer's favorite number.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
5 June 2026
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Following a resurgence during the pandemic, participation numbers hit record heights last year.—
Jack Bantock,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Insect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insect. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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