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
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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of pest
This pest prefers arrowwood, European cranberry bush or American cranberry bush viburnums.
—
Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2025
They were likely introduced to Europe for pest control, the scientists said.
—Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
There can be legal disputes between policyholders, pest control providers, and insurers if pest control treatments fail or when claims are made about the effectiveness of a solution that later turns out to be insufficient.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 1 May 2025
For questions about gardening, plant pests or diseases, call 415-473-4204 from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays, bring in samples or pictures to 1682 Novato Blvd., Suite 150B, Novato, or email helpdesk@marinmg.org.
—Martha Proctor, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2025
They were likely introduced to Europe for pest control, the scientists said.
—Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
There can be legal disputes between policyholders, pest control providers, and insurers if pest control treatments fail or when claims are made about the effectiveness of a solution that later turns out to be insufficient.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 1 May 2025
For questions about gardening, plant pests or diseases, call 415-473-4204 from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays, bring in samples or pictures to 1682 Novato Blvd., Suite 150B, Novato, or email helpdesk@marinmg.org.
—Martha Proctor, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pest
Noun
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Now, Georgas is looking for more action to be taken as the issue continues to plague girls' sports in Illinois and hopes the recent Naperville incident will be a turning point.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
21 May 2025
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The Book of Exodus details the 10 plagues that God inflicted upon the Egyptian pharaoh and his people, including swarms of locusts, an infestation of frogs and an outbreak of boils.—
Dan Barry,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
Noun
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Resurging opposition to fluoridation — the practice of adding fluoride to public water systems at safe levels to prevent tooth decay — has been a nuisance for dentists, researchers and public health experts.—
Angela Palermo,
Idaho Statesman,
12 May 2025
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How to get rid of gnats Generally, gnats are more of a nuisance than an actual threat to humans.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
7 May 2025
Noun
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Once doctors reviewed the family’s travel history, treatment was quickly shifted to address concerns of histoplasmosis, which the CDC explains can cause cause flu-like symptoms including fever and chills, malaise, cough, headache, chest pain and body aches.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
People.com,
23 May 2025
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Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 May 2025
Noun
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The Entity’s human helper Gabriel (Esai Morales) becomes more of a thorn in Ethan’s side and our heroes scatter to London, South Africa and the Arctic on a mission that would be rather impossible for anyone not named Tom Cruise.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
-
Roses Landscape roses add no-fuss color and charm to your garden, but the thorns are not especially charming.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
7 May 2025
Noun
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When Murderbot finally starts voicing its annoyance to Mensah and the team, the series gets a lot more entertaining.—
Kristen Baldwin,
EW.com,
12 May 2025
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There will be tension within and between the couples; some of their annoyance may in turn annoy the viewer.—
Robert Lloyd,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2025
Noun
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People who are repeatedly exposed to respiratory irritants, like smoking, are most at risk of developing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).—
Helen Carefoot,
Verywell Health,
29 Apr. 2025
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Designed with sensitive skin in mind, this lippie is free from fragrance, essential oils, flavor and other common irritants.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Trump has expressed growing frustration with the rulings.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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Tyler expresses frustration in hearing that from him and not from Brandon and Theresa themselves.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pest. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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