Synonyms of pest

pest

noun

ˈpest 

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

• plague
• pestilence
• epidemic
• infection
• illness
• malady
• blight
• ailment
• pandemic
• contagion
• murrain
• sickness
• scourge
• infirmity
• curse
• affliction
• affection

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

• nuisance
• annoyance
• annoyer
• tease
• gadfly
• bother
• pain in the neck
• pain
• headache
• persecutor
• teaser
• gnawer
• plague
• nudnik
• interrupter
• harrier
• heckler
• tormentor
• harasser
• torturer
• molester
• hassle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• charmer
• comforter
• soother
• smoothy
• solacer

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

• headache
• nuisance
• thorn
• irritant
• frustration
• problem
• worry
• annoyance
• inconvenience
• menace
• hair shirt
• bugbear
• rub
• aggravation
• irk
• trial
• vexation
• peeve
• exasperation
• ruffle
• bother
• botheration
• aggro
• plague
• insult
• hassle
• burden
• discomfort
• curse
• anxiety
• predicament
• trouble
• offender
• affront
• disturber
• upset
• annoyer
• fleabite
• pinprick
• albatross
• plight
• offense
• cross
• sore
• harasser
• tribulation
• millstone
• pet peeve
• mischief
• affliction
• hang-up
• pandora's box

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pleasure
• joy
• delight

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pest

Check the plant’s foliage for pests occasionally, paying particular attention to the undersides of leaves, where spider mites, scale and aphids like to hide. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026

Bond said the quarter-sized spider lives in fragmented coastal dunes from the Bay Area to Monterey, and compounds in its venom could have potential as painkillers or in pest control. — The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Fertilize regularly, manage pests, and avoid pruning green leaves to support growth; harvest sprouts when walnut-sized. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2026

Contact a pest control professional if sightings increase or millipedes begin entering in large numbers. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 2 Nov. 2026