1
as in plague
a widespread disease resulting in a high rate of death
one of the great pests of the 20th century was the influenza epidemic of 1918, which killed millions across the globe
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in nuisance
one who is obnoxiously annoying
stop being a pest to your sister and go find something else to do
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
a never-ending construction project that continues to be a pest for motorists
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pest
The bill requires the Department of Agriculture to distribute educational materials on the pests and to encourage people to report rats via Idaho’s invasive species hotline.
—
Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 12 Feb. 2026
Every now and then, unwanted pests — big and small — make their way into our homes, becoming a frustrating nuisance.
—Sacbee.com, 12 Feb. 2026
Mosquitoes Everyone’s least favorite pest is shaping up to be a major player in 2026.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2026
Cases are proliferating in a Mexican state that borders Texas, with the pest having escaped containment by an international eradication program that banished it for decades.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 12 Feb. 2026
Every now and then, unwanted pests — big and small — make their way into our homes, becoming a frustrating nuisance.
—Sacbee.com, 12 Feb. 2026
Mosquitoes Everyone’s least favorite pest is shaping up to be a major player in 2026.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2026
Cases are proliferating in a Mexican state that borders Texas, with the pest having escaped containment by an international eradication program that banished it for decades.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pest
Noun
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As a small rural settlement is swiftly and ruthlessly stripped bare by the twin plagues of a diphtheria epidemic and spreading wildfires, the film eventually descends into a near-literal hellscape, though even when pandemonium takes over on screen, Van Dusen’s formal control never wavers.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
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Published in 1842, Poe’s story follows Prince Prospero, who retreats with a group of nobles into a fortified abbey as a deadly plague ravages the countryside.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Intentionally obstructing the roadway, especially while impeding emergency access, is a misdemeanor in Minnesota, as is being a public nuisance by blocking the right-of-way.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Feb. 2026
-
For rulers abroad, the Puerto Rican people were mostly a nuisance to be managed.—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Unexpectedly, though, operators stumbled across an issue with ground support equipment that could cause more headaches for a crucial moon mission that has already slipped at least a month from its target launch date.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
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Running out of memory, setting up a new phone or simply wanting peace of mind, Picture Keeper removes the headache from backups.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Although there is a standing ovation, Derya doesn’t hang around to bask in the applause, much to the annoyance of a visiting politician who is angling for a selfie with the star.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
16 Feb. 2026
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To the president's annoyance, surprisingly solid economic statistics have failed to persuade many Americans to adopt a rosier outlook.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The question over how Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement will impact the World Cup — when millions are expected to visit — remains a thorn in FIFA’s side.—
Melanie Anzidei,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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Let’s go through your roses and thorns for some of the show’s most iconic scenes.—
Reshma Gopaldas,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
History of Allergies Women with a history of allergies—which includes eczema, food allergies and hay fever—are more likely to get it because their immune systems are more likely to respond to irritants by triggering an inflammatory response.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
13 Feb. 2026
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Volunteers spoke of the risks of verbal and physical confrontations with ICE agents, including the use of pepper spray and other irritants against observers and even arrests.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Rosen has voiced frustration with the prospect of having supported Measure A and still bracing for heavy cuts to his office.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The year before, Jackson had been involved in a demonstration that closed part of the Dan Ryan Expressway, a mass expression of frustration over gun violence.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pest. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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