PESKY Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

pesky

adjective

ˈpe-skē

Definition of pesky

as in annoying

causing annoyance the pesky problem of what to do with all the leftovers

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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 pesky But even in what appears to be an advantageous matchup for those pesky S-words, the Chiefs would trade every potential sack for a fifth straight W. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026 Never mind the pesky numeral—or, for that matter, the actual order in which the cars arrived. — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2026 He gets dinged for a pesky OWI, loses his job at CBS, and then gets outed by some nark in Oklahoma. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 But most observers recognize that those channels will be milked for cash, with wide cuts expected as the company seeks to harvest the revenue from carriage fees and redistribute to other priorities, like streaming, and paying down that pesky debt. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pesky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pesky

Adjective

After five years in development at Retro Studios, the original makers of the Metroid Prime series, fans were greeted with annoying side characters, a bike for Samus to roam the barren landscape on, and a deeply unsatisfying ending.

— Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 1 Nov. 2026
The truth, and its handling, hangs over the show, which must be annoying for those involved, and simultaneously is why many people bought tickets.

— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of annoying

Adjective

The result can be a frustrating cycle in which borrowers repeatedly pay down balances only to rebuild them when another expense arises.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
And the amount that show business and comedy have changed — the strikes and mergers and COVID and the rest of it — has been really frustrating.

— Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of frustrating

Adjective

Mature skin should be treated with a mild, non-irritating cleanser that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils or irritate dry and sensitive types.

— Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
The cold temperature will slow down the enzymes and ease the irritating effects.

— Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of irritating

Browse Nearby Words

pervs

pesky

pessimism

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“Pesky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pesky. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of pesky

adjective

Example Sentences

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