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 In the last year and a half, the White House has moved to boost domestic production of certain pesticides, and reduced regulations to expand access to crop insurance, in addition to raising the estate tax exemption. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 30 July 2026 Authorities did not provide any information on the source of the cyanide contamination, but it’s believed that farming pesticides may be a likely cause, reported the BBC. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 The agency ordered Disney to begin clearly labeling its thousands of gallons of paint, chemicals and pesticides, according to a consent order, and to establish a training program so employees would know how to handle hazardous waste. — Wuft News, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026 Climate change, habitat loss, pollution and plant pesticides have contributed to a picture where more than three-quarters of butterfly species are in decline. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 28 July 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
  • Maybe a mother tries to assassinate her one-eyed son with a cup of poison tea.
    — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The ancient Romans apparently ground their hairs into an excruciating poison.
    — Ben Crair, New Yorker, 31 July 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
  • Apply a minor nutrient spray and insecticide to citrus at each flush of new growth.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of insecticide
Noun
  • Apply Chemical Herbicides There are a few commercial herbicides on the market that can kill tree stumps.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Duke Energy and the states also use herbicides to control weeds.
    — John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Definition of herbicide
Noun
  • However, pests, heat stress, and diseases like leaf spot can also cause leaf drop.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
  • But Covid-19 vaccines have consistently proved to provide significant protection against severe disease, hospitalization and death.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 4 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
  • Cormier says that bees can be dangerous (even dead ones can sting, if stepped on, so long as their stinger and venom sac are still intact).
    — Richard Schiffman, Christian Science Monitor, 22 July 2026
  • That’s because when a snake bites and punctures the skin and transfers venom into the victim’s body, the venom attacks the skin, soft tissue and connective tissue beneath it.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 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
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Cite this Entry

“Pesticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pesticide. Accessed 7 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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