insecticide

noun

Definition of insecticidenext
as in pesticide

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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 insecticide That building has since had two temporary closures for inspection and insecticide applications. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 There is also a late-summer timeframe when an insecticide can be applied to control the insect in its crawler stage. — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 Next, slowly approach the nest and apply the aerosol insecticide directly into the nest opening, following the product label’s instructions. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026 This powerful insecticide should never be applied directly on skin. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insecticide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insecticide
  1. pesticide
  2. herbicide
  3. fungicide
  4. toxicant
Noun
  • That includes the 30x30 program to conserve 30% of California’s land and coastal waters by 2030, advanced protections for wetlands and new efforts to rein in the use of harmful pesticides and single-use plastic.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Means, along with his sister, came to prominence within the MAHA movement by arguing that ultraprocessed foods, additives and pesticides could be blamed for many of the chronic health conditions facing Americans.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of pesticide
Noun
  • If warmer temperatures mean more weeds, in turn leading to more herbicides, then these chemicals could drift over to nearby natural areas, already a significant problem in Illinois, Zaya said.
    — Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • His opponent is the incumbent, Mike Naig, a former lobbyist for Monsanto, the industrial giant that marketed Roundup, a weed killer that in some cases contains the controversial herbicide glyphosate.
    — Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of herbicide
Noun
  • Both can be treated by improving soil structure, enhancing drainage, adjusting watering practices, or treating affected plants with a fungicide, says Vasylchyshyna.
    — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 26 Sep. 2026
  • If pests or diseases like fungal infections are to blame, the next step is to apply an appropriate fungicide or natural pesticide.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of fungicide
Noun
  • Researchers found that 40% of the 97 participants had higher concentrations of a toxicant associated with the defunct LCP Chemicals plant than the national average.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • The ash from open burning can also contaminate soil and groundwater with persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals and other toxicants, creating more chances for people to be exposed to them through food and water.
    — Ellen M. Considine, The Conversation, 2 June 2026
Definition of toxicant

Browse Nearby Words

insect
insecticide
insecticides
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Cite this Entry

“Insecticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insecticide. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on insecticide

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about insecticide

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