as in annoying
causing annoyance
the pesky problem of what to do with all the leftovers
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pesky
Later in the period, Sanders again attacked in the midrange, using his body as a shield against the pesky defense of Gary Payton II to get to his spot and hop into another field goal.
—
Law Murray, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
About time somebody put those pesky lawyers in their place; who needs them or their stupid Constitution, anyway?
—William W Bedsworth, Oc Register, 4 Jan. 2026
In the clip, the actress jumped into a pool in a string bikini and demonstrated how to get pesky tangles out of one’s hair with her brand’s Glossing Detangler.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025
Recognized as a particularly pesky class of anthropogenic pollutants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can take root in land once given the opportunity, according to the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC).
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pesky
Law Murray, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
About time somebody put those pesky lawyers in their place; who needs them or their stupid Constitution, anyway?
—William W Bedsworth, Oc Register, 4 Jan. 2026
In the clip, the actress jumped into a pool in a string bikini and demonstrated how to get pesky tangles out of one’s hair with her brand’s Glossing Detangler.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025
Recognized as a particularly pesky class of anthropogenic pollutants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can take root in land once given the opportunity, according to the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC).
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pesky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pesky
Adjective
-
Meynecke said his footage suggested the whales found their hangers-on annoying.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Thankfully, the best faux garlands offer the look and oftentimes feel of the real thing without the sticky sap or annoying cleanup.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
For athletes, the C1 solves a frustrating, age-old problem.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Jan. 2026
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The reality is that traditional investigative journalism is a frequently boring and frustrating endeavor that takes a lot of time, money, and patience.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
What an irritating phrase, Helen thinks.—
Sadia Shepard,
New Yorker,
11 Jan. 2026
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Many of us suffer from skin problems, chapped lips, or an irritating cough when the air is too dry.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pesky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pesky. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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