Synonyms of pesky

pesky

adjective

ˈpe-skē 

as in annoying

causing annoyance

the pesky problem of what to do with all the leftovers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• annoying
• frustrating
• irritating
• disturbing
• aggravating
• irksome
• vexing
• bothersome
• maddening
• nettlesome
• exasperating
• vexatious
• pestiferous
• pestilential
• pesty
• painful
• abrasive
• pestilent
• plaguey
• galling
• troublesome
• chafing
• rankling
• distractive
• peeving
• nettling
• rebarbative
• carking
• riling
• troubling
• mischievous
• biting
• stressful
• infuriating
• burdensome
• importunate
• displeasing
• upsetting
• disquieting
• distressing
• tiresome
• discomforting
• offensive
• worrisome
• inconveniencing
• enraging
• angering
• thorny
• spiny
• trying
• bratty
• importune
• brattish
• jarring
• grating
• jangling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• delightful
• pleasing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pesky

The critical brain is still zonked, and along with it, its pesky sidekicks, self-doubt and anxiety. — Literary Hub, 13 July 2026

Not so lucky for me, my fair complexion and genetics make up the perfect recipe for pesky under-eye bags. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 7 July 2026

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