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 Durnell’s attorney, Ashley Keller, argued that registration of a pesticide with the EPA does not exempt a company from civil liability for its product’s safety. — Sarah J. Morath, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 Miller says other pesticides that are currently used in retail fly traps can be used, and continues to battle the USDA's exclusive focus on sterile flies. — Alice Park, Time, 2 July 2026 The movement is particularly critical of both pesticides and PFAS. — Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 1 July 2026 Among the 33 chemicals the EPA will require water utilities to test for are seven PFAS, or forever chemicals, and three pesticide residues. — Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 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
  • Revenge… Historically, femme spirits have been more likely than men to use poison as an act of killing.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
  • Kara changes her tune when Krem hijacks Kara’s ship and shoots Krypto with a poison dart.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 4 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
  • Firefly populations are declining because of the combination of habitat loss, light pollution, insecticide use and climate change.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • In the 1970s, when Texas had 29,000 cases of screwworm, the state used several rounds of an insecticide placed in fly baits on patios, horse barns, and dairies for several weeks.
    — Alice Park, Time, 2 July 2026
Definition of insecticide
Noun
  • The plant also can be controlled by applying a nonselective herbicide, but that will not save digging.
    — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Ahead, gardening experts share their tips for using baking soda as an all-natural herbicide, plus additional methods that work just as well.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026
Definition of herbicide
Noun
  • In Orange County, its vector control district reported its first disease-carrying mosquitoes in Newport Beach on June 2.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • The disease does not generally spread from person to person, but infections can occur if the bacteria get into a building's water supply, including in shower heads, sink faucets, hot water tanks, heaters, cooling towers and other plumbing systems.
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 7 July 2026
Definition of disease
Noun
  • Keep a fungicide handy to apply as needed.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026
  • Clip off leaves exhibiting mildew and spray the plant generously with a fungicide.
    — Kelly Manning, Martha Stewart, 23 June 2026
Definition of fungicide
Noun
  • According to Levine, no attempt should be made to remove the venom yourself, whether by sucking on the wound or cutting it.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
  • Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction typically triggered by food, drugs or insect venom.
    — Ryan J. Foley, Twin Cities, 6 July 2026
Definition of venom
Noun
  • Portside residents face higher cancer risk from air toxics than 93% of the nation.
    — Jose Franco Garcia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2026
  • Asparagus releases a chemical toxic to root knot nematodes, a microscopic round worm that creates multiple disease and growth problems in tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes and peppers.
    — Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 3 May 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 10 Jul. 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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