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
Those pesky wet spots can cause mold and mildew growth, window condensation, warped wood furniture, and even damaged electronics.
—
Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
The Dolphins are already shopping for a new general manager, and that’s the solution to that pesky problem of Mike McDaniel, and his 35-33 record, still being employed as the franchise’s head coach.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
The pesky bugs were perfect lab subjects for the project because two-thirds of the cancer-causing genes in humans are shared by fruit flies.
—Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 7 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for pesky
Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026
The Dolphins are already shopping for a new general manager, and that’s the solution to that pesky problem of Mike McDaniel, and his 35-33 record, still being employed as the franchise’s head coach.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
The pesky bugs were perfect lab subjects for the project because two-thirds of the cancer-causing genes in humans are shared by fruit flies.
—Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 7 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for pesky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pesky
Adjective
-
That one is a flimsy piano ballad where the duo’s approach to vocals—strangled, swirled and gasping—comes off more annoying than innovative, like a joke that isn’t funny anymore.—
Andrew Ryce,
Pitchfork,
12 Jan. 2026
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The weight of the tool allows for more control, allowing for the blade to safely and gently glide across your face to exfoliate and remove annoying peach fuzz.—
Taryn Brooke,
Glamour,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The redshirt senior quarterback is the crown jewel of the Knights’ 2026 transfer class, bringing with him the hope of improvement from a frustrating 5-7 season in 2025.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2026
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Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens sees expanding MARTA into Cobb and Gwinnett counties as a key step toward better regional connection, while metro Atlanta residents continue to struggle with traffic congestion that’s both frustrating and dangerous.—
Riley Bunch,
AJC.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Plus, pH-balanced formulations and non-irritating ingredients solidify the full profile of a gentle cleanser.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
15 Jan. 2026
-
What an irritating phrase, Helen thinks.—
Sadia Shepard,
New Yorker,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pesky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pesky. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
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