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
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Recent Examples of pest
For much of the 20th century, methyl bromide, an odorless and colorless fumigant, had been touted as a miracle product for its effectiveness in killing pests, both on farms and in the shipping containers that conveyed produce across the world.
—
Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
Snow fleas break down dead organic matter so other soil creatures can eat as well; the snow fleas also keep plant pests in check, the National Wildlife Federation wrote on its blog.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
Spot treating with a cotton swap dipped in rubbing alcohol is an easy way to remove pests from African violets.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2026
Pest Control: proactive monitoring of pest activity in food processing and pharmaceutical plants.
—Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
Snow fleas break down dead organic matter so other soil creatures can eat as well; the snow fleas also keep plant pests in check, the National Wildlife Federation wrote on its blog.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
Spot treating with a cotton swap dipped in rubbing alcohol is an easy way to remove pests from African violets.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2026
Pest Control: proactive monitoring of pest activity in food processing and pharmaceutical plants.
—Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pest
Noun
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From Agnes’ brutal childbirth scenes to the wrenching heartbreak when the plague hits their household and takes 11-year-old Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe), Zhao immerses you in Agnes and Will’s grief while also touching on their own individual internal tussles.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
22 Jan. 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,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
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While often seen as a nuisance that reduces confinement, this new research suggests they can be used as a control mechanism.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Jan. 2026
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The click-clack, click-clack of a mill that operated around the clock would serve as either a constant nuisance or soothing white noise, depending on one’s disposition.—
Ben Bolch,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Think peachy-bright, brunchy, and a little flirty without the headache.—
Lanee Lee,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Sonny Fouts, 71, has had a headache, stomachache and trouble sleeping since seeing news reports that the 37-year-old ICU nurse had been fatally shot by ICE agents Saturday, the vet and retired musician told People.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Apple has been working to eliminate the inner screen’s visible crease, a longtime annoyance of the category.—
Chris Welch,
Bloomberg,
27 Jan. 2026
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That said, your annoyance is also valid.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Mercury News,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Makeup removal can sometimes feel like a thorn in your side, especially when heavy, waterproof formulas are standing in the way.—
Tatayana Yomary,
Essence,
28 Jan. 2026
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In the seventeenth century, the Dutch East India’s colony at Cape Town subjected indigenous people who hoped to trade with their soldiers, sailors, and farmers to different rules and planted thorn bushes to keep them out of the European settlement.—
Eve Fairbanks,
The Dial,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Officers in full riot gear deployed water cannons, chemical irritants and rubber bullets and said they were targeted with fireworks.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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According to Haar, some law enforcement agencies are now employing more advanced rubber or foam bullet variants that contain capsaicin powder inside, further combining the blunt force trauma of the projectile with the effects of a chemical irritant.—
Graham Hurley,
CNN Money,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Republican ends Minnesota governor bid over immigration enforcement Chris Madel, a Republican, ended his campaign for Minnesota governor after less than two months, citing frustration with the party and the way federal officials have carried out immigration operations in the state.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
28 Jan. 2026
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Now, nearly in February, frustration and isolation are growing for Rowland and fellow residents.—
Ashley Sharp,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pest. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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