pesticide

noun

Definition of pesticidenext
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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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 pesticide Backed in the early days by organic farming advocates, regenerative agriculture may also cut down or eliminate synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, but puts a sharper focus on soil health and biodiversity. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026 Drones that are able to plant seeds and spray pesticides are also on the chopping block, which hits the DJI Agras drones used by farmers, as well as similar hardware from other manufacturers that's made outside the US. — Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026 The tablet then reabsorbs those pesticides, preventing them from going down the drain. — Joe Van Ryn, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 People whose jobs expose them to pesticides have about a 60% higher risk of developing the neurodegenerative disease ALS, new research has found. — Aria Bendix, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pesticide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pesticide
  1. poison
  2. toxicant
  3. insecticide
  4. herbicide
  5. disease
  6. fungicide
  7. venom
  8. toxic
Noun
  • Aemond, still recovering from his mother’s poison, is mopier than usual, begging Alys to be left alone.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In 1998, voters passed Proposition 4, which banned certain traps and animal poisons for recreational and commercial animal trapping.
    — Tim Fang, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of poison
Noun
  • Researchers found that 40% of the 97 participants had higher concentrations of a toxicant associated with the defunct LCP Chemicals plant than the national average.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • The ash from open burning can also contaminate soil and groundwater with persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals and other toxicants, creating more chances for people to be exposed to them through food and water.
    — Ellen M. Considine, The Conversation, 2 June 2026
Definition of toxicant
Noun
  • Next, slowly approach the nest and apply the aerosol insecticide directly into the nest opening, following the product label’s instructions.
    — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026
  • This powerful insecticide should never be applied directly on skin.
    — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of insecticide
Noun
  • High heat significantly limits the effectiveness of herbicide.
    — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Under its guidance, untold hectares of nasty greenery have succumbed to billions of dollars in herbicide.
    — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of herbicide
Noun
  • The study’s findings also highlight the need for physicians to be alert to early signs of disease and consider blood pressure treatment, even in younger people, according to Freeman.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Etzel noted that the order makes several significant changes, which include reducing the number of diseases targeted by childhood vaccines and separating the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine into individual shots.
    — Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of disease
Noun
  • Orange spots on plumeria leaves are caused by a rust disease; use a rust-control fungicide.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Garlic’s strong odor repels many insects and acts as a mild fungicide.
    — Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 15 July 2026
Definition of fungicide
Noun
  • Ultimately, the snakes posing the greatest danger are often not those with the strongest venom, but those most likely to encounter people far from adequate healthcare.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The venom is mildly toxic to mammals such as mice, and it is reported to only cause inflammation and skin discoloration in humans.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of venom
Noun
  • In late May, about 50,000 people in Orange County were evacuated because, at a Garden Grove site operated by GKN Aerospace, tanks holding a volatile hazardous chemical called methyl methacrylate were at risk of exploding or leaking toxics.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
  • Munoz is an independent toxicologist working in collaboration with MAHA against pesticides and toxics.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
Definition of toxic

Browse Nearby Words

pesters
pesticide
pesticides
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pesticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pesticide. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pesticide

Nglish: Translation of pesticide for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pesticide

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