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 The United States has comparatively fewer pesky pathogens to worry about 250 years later (measles resurgence, notwithstanding). — Helen Branswell, STAT, 6 July 2026 The first problem for the football-mad nation is the Round of 16 match isn’t taking place on Sunday night due to pesky time zones. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 Lavender The essential oil that gives lavender flowers and foliage their pleasant, calming scent has been shown to repel mosquitoes as well as other pesky insects like fleas, flies, and moths. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 5 July 2026 This allows workers to blow past the traditional 401(k) contribution limits each year and get around the pesky Roth IRA income limitations. — David Rae, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pesky

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pesky

Adjective

Of course, the list of invertebrates include mosquitoes, gnats, yellow flies, ticks and other biting pests, which are most annoying June through August but can be nuisances at other times of the year.

— Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
That gets into the very annoying realization that some infinities are bigger than other infinities, which is mathematically true and conceptually uncomfortable.

— Michael Schneider, Variety, 24 July 2026

Definition of annoying

Adjective

There’s nothing more frustrating than booking a trip to paradise only to have your holiday consumed with bad weather.

— Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
In a matter of seconds, the Current’s home victory over the NWSL’s top team turned into a frustrating draw.

— Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026

Definition of frustrating

Adjective

December 22 – January 19 A small adjustment could make your whole day less irritating.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026
The irritating and inflammatory nature of the smog caused hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers to become short of breath or to develop symptoms from underlying heart disease.

— Rebecca Florsheim, STAT, 17 July 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 29 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of pesky

adjective

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