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
The sateen weave strikes the perfect balance for fall—breathable enough to release pesky heat and moisture, yet cozy and smooth enough to snuggle into on cooler nights.
—
Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2025
With Brown watching from the bench after picking up his fifth foul, the Celtics closed Monday’s game on a 31-4 run to put away the pesky Pelicans.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Three of the four Blue Jays that Sheehan faced reached safely against him, showing the kind of pesky and drawn-out, contact-filled at-bats that have made Toronto such a menace this postseason.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Bats are an important part of the ecosystem, eating pesky insects most humans hate.
—Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pesky
Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2025
With Brown watching from the bench after picking up his fifth foul, the Celtics closed Monday’s game on a 31-4 run to put away the pesky Pelicans.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Three of the four Blue Jays that Sheehan faced reached safely against him, showing the kind of pesky and drawn-out, contact-filled at-bats that have made Toronto such a menace this postseason.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Bats are an important part of the ecosystem, eating pesky insects most humans hate.
—Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pesky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pesky
Adjective
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Meynecke said his footage suggested the whales found their hangers-on annoying.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
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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
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The Premier League has been a frustrating product this season.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
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Some of the diciest action – and most frustrating nights – for Powell involved sprinting across wet cobblestones or through a graveyard full of smoke in the dark.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Formulated in Korea with natural, non-irritating ingredients suitable for sensitive skin, the face masks are the first example, infusing hydrating and calming ingredients such as Vitamin B12 and aloe.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
6 Nov. 2025
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Some viewers find her impulsiveness more irritating than endearing.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pesky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pesky. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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