PEST Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

pest

noun

ˈpest

Definition of pest

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

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

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 show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of pest The Independence Plaza Neighborhood Council has been fighting in court to force Olive Park’s owners, Millennia Housing Management, to secure the vacant property and fix issues with water, trash, mold and pests. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 Program costs, hungry pests, and limited access are other hurdles. — Emily Staunton, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Sep. 2026 These plants give off a pungent odor that is great for keeping pests away. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 1 Sep. 2026 The state is now warning farmers to be on the lookout for a new version of the pest. — Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pest

Noun

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is fighting that plague by injecting some ash trees with an insecticide to give them a chance at survival.

— Amanda Swinhart, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Instead of the tapered details that plague most sweatpants, this straight-leg style hits right above the ankle to offer a more sophisticated silhouette.

— Kelsey Mulvey, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of plague

Noun

Alas, by disguising themselves in earthling form, these superior beings must submit themselves to the worst indignities of the human condition — namely the frequent need to go to the bathroom and the constant nuisance of dealing with emotions.

— Cortlyn Kelly, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2026
The petition sought to classify data centers as industrial nuisances, arguing that a ban would protect residents’ property and preserve city resources, such as water and electricity.

— Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of nuisance

Noun

West Nile symptoms A full 80% of those infected may not show symptoms, but 20% have flu-like symptoms, such as a fever with headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, rash or fatigue.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026
Cole Burston / Getty Images With so many clubs still in the mix, even scoreboard watching can induce a headache.

— Zack Meisel, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of headache

Noun

People are exhausted by subscriptions, signing up for apps, logins, passwords, and other first-world annoyances that are now common in the search to watch a game on TV.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026
Ninety-two percent of customers expect quick responses, and the number one customer service annoyance is long wait times.

— Jason Phillips, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of annoyance

Noun

As federal agents increasingly used chemical irritants on crowds, Michael Cavlan began spending less time patrolling and more time treating people who’d been hurt.

— Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Carney also said that Washington viewed protections for French and Canadian culture — considered fundamental rights in Canada — as irritants to trade.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of irritant

Noun

The frustration within the Democratic caucus immediately prompted some calls for harsh consequences.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
The AfD was created in 2013 as a small anti-euro party before morphing into an anti-migrant force that tapped into voter frustration over immigration and the strains many Germans perceive on housing, jobs and public services.

— Erik Kirschbaum, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of frustration

Browse Nearby Words

pessimists

pest

pester

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pest. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pest

noun

Example Sentences

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