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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of pest
Traps found on the property indicate it was known the area had a pest problem.
—
Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 15 Apr. 2025
Give it a quick once-over for any pests hiding under leaves, insect eggs, or foliage issues that may indicate a lack of nutrients.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Apr. 2025
Potential downsides of a humidifier include: Dust mites: A common allergen, these tiny, insect-like pests thrive in humid environments.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 11 Apr. 2025
Around 2,400 toads were released into the wild in 1935 in an attempt to rein in agricultural pests.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 15 Apr. 2025
Give it a quick once-over for any pests hiding under leaves, insect eggs, or foliage issues that may indicate a lack of nutrients.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Apr. 2025
Potential downsides of a humidifier include: Dust mites: A common allergen, these tiny, insect-like pests thrive in humid environments.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 11 Apr. 2025
Around 2,400 toads were released into the wild in 1935 in an attempt to rein in agricultural pests.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pest
Noun
-
Sunday’s semi-final was far from a complete performance, with familiar defensive lapses on the transition returning to plague a laboured second half.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
-
In those 14 weeks, the president has unleashed an economic agenda so punishing that the only way to understand it in a historical context is not through a lens of policy but of plagues.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
While the Black Series trailers are no longer a problem for City of Industry and Los Angeles County authorities, Wildomar officials say the trailers are now a nuisance for them.—
Nathan Solis,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Both communities have spotlighted the importance of responsible tourism, where travelers are respectful and supportive of the local community, without being a nuisance or irresponsible.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Dehydration can be dangerous and may result in headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and other unpleasant symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic.—
Sarah Klein,
Time,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Not everyone with a mild headache needs a CT scan of the brain.—
Paul Hsieh,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Yet, that $250,000 could well be enough to become more than just a thorn in the side of the ransomware industry if Halcyon has anything to do with.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Steyer’s company, long a thorn in the tech mogul’s side, promotes safer tech for children.—
Parmy Olson,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Competitive gamers seeking fast, lag-free performance without the annoyance of wires won't find much better than the ultra-lightweight Razer Viper Ultimate.—
Cierra Cowan,
PC Magazine,
16 Apr. 2025
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And inadequate feedback can cause annoyance at best, and injury at worst.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Common triggers include environmental allergens, foods, and skin irritants.—
Brandi Jones, MSN-Ed,
Health,
28 Mar. 2025
-
In fact, the brand follows the National Eczema Association's ingredient guidelines to avoid irritants and allergens.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
CFOs understand the frustration of needing yet another system to manage access controls, compliance requirements and security measures.—
Leslie Milne,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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The frustration of losing the Corales Puntacana Championship almost on the last hole quickly passed for Joel Dahmen.—
Mohammed Soliman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pest. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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