as in poison
a chemical that is used to kill animals or insects that damage plants or crops
The family farm has gradually moved away from the use of pesticides.
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Recent Examples of pesticide
The Environmental Working Group released the results of its annual tests of pesticide residue on America’s produce, in the hopes of helping shoppers better prioritize which produce is worth the splurge for organic.
—
Chloe Sorvino, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
This monitoring and identification eliminate the unnecessary use of a pesticide or the use of the wrong one.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025
In the Senate, those restrictions were eased somewhat to appease the concerns of the pest control industry, which sought to continue the use of covered pesticides by licensed professionals.
—John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 5 June 2025
In addition, untreated sewage commonly contains potentially hazardous compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs and biocides, a category including pesticides and antiseptics.
—Nara Schoenberg, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pesticide
Chloe Sorvino, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
This monitoring and identification eliminate the unnecessary use of a pesticide or the use of the wrong one.
—Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025
In the Senate, those restrictions were eased somewhat to appease the concerns of the pest control industry, which sought to continue the use of covered pesticides by licensed professionals.
—John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 5 June 2025
In addition, untreated sewage commonly contains potentially hazardous compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs and biocides, a category including pesticides and antiseptics.
—Nara Schoenberg, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pesticide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pesticide
Noun
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Some agents were hospitalized due to possible exposure from the poison, according to Brown.—
Kate Linderman,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2025
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Apex scavengers may also accidentally consume toxic substances, such as poison intended for predators threatening livestock, or veterinary drugs found in livestock carcasses.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
18 June 2025
Noun
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Then, using a simulation, the team found that the warmth and weight of the sleeping child could increase the off-gassing of the toxicants.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
15 Apr. 2025
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Chemical components of pesticides were found in four of the products — inhaling certain pesticides through marijuana smoking poses a risk of harmful toxicants entering the lungs and bloodstream.—
Ben Markus - Colorado Public Radio,
NPR,
4 Feb. 2025
Noun
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But most entomologists recommend using baits instead of broadcasting residual insecticides all over your lawn because those products also affect beneficials, says David Oi. Repeat treatments.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
29 June 2025
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Here’s what to know about the synthetic insecticide, plus how and when to use it.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
24 June 2025
Noun
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Decades of research show that weeds flourish and pests thrive in response to more carbon dioxide and hotter temperatures, increasing the need for pesticides and herbicides.—
Kate Raphael,
Discover Magazine,
23 June 2025
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With modern farming, and its use of pesticides and herbicides, surface microbial communities often suffer.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 June 2025
Noun
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After Yang was found, Police thanked those who assisted in the search for the missing man, who also has Parkinson’s disease.—
Abigail Adams,
People.com,
28 June 2025
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Do control the Asian psyllid insects with an insecticide spray at each flush of growth to prevent the spread of greening disease.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 June 2025
Noun
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There are organic fungicides that contain natural ingredients that are safe for pets, children, and wildlife.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
20 June 2025
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Agricultural workers have a particularly high rate of blood cancer diagnosis due to their constant exposure to synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and fungicides.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests that the venom from one cone snail has the potential to kill up to 700 people.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 June 2025
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But for some, the venom may cause anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can lead to symptoms like difficulty breathing, vomiting or diarrhea, fainting and skin reactions.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
10 June 2025
Noun
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Just last week, for example, the Trump administration, through its Environmental Protection Agency, proposed to withdraw two rules imposing air toxics and greenhouse gas limits on fossil-fuel power plants.—
Wayne Messam,
Sun Sentinel,
15 June 2025
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While the researchers behind this breakthrough may consider their product non toxic, its worth noting that the people who discovered the forever chemicals thought the same thing.—
Alison Escalante,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pesticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pesticide. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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