pesticides

Definition of pesticidesnext
plural of pesticide
as in poisons
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 pesticides From the beginning, Calderon said the firm’s project was rooted in honoring the way their ancestors cultivated cotton without pesticides and with full transparency throughout the supply chain. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 Feb. 2026 Also, pesticides will kill beneficial insects, such as pollinators. Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Feb. 2026 According to the state, heavy metals were found in 16 of 24 infant formulas tested; 28 of the 46 candy products tested; and pesticides were found in six of the eight bread brands tested. Ana Goñi-Lessan, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026 It’s made of organic cotton grown and harvested without harmful pesticides that can irritate those of us with sensitive skin. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026 Even organic berries can carry natural pesticides or environmental contaminants. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026 It is not grown with herbicides or pesticides to ensure quality and safety. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026 Alongside calls for research on cell-phone-signal effects on health and vaccine injuries, the report went light on investigating pesticides and the food industry, disappointing some environmental figures. Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026 Researchers also found flame retardants, phthalates, pesticides, and other compounds that have been associated in prior studies with hormone disruption, weakened immunity, and developmental concerns. Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 12 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pesticides
Noun
  • For instance, it's sometimes used to bind to certain poisons before your body absorbs them.
    Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Police reported that the dentist purchased a variety of poisons prior to her death.
    Emma Bussey , Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Applying herbicides is the most effective way to eradicate honeysuckle, but natural methods work if done correctly.
    Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The fish prove to be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to dredging and herbicides, which can also be used to clear waterways.
    Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This exam enables the doctor to detect early signs of these diseases and prescribe appropriate treatments at their earliest stages.
    Mark Ryan, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Dane went on to advocate for legislation addressing research on neurodegenerative diseases.
    Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Funding a promising breakthrough In laboratory trials with rodents, the new nanobody antivenom prevented the deaths of mice exposed to venoms from 17 of the 18 snake species.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Neely Lab is interested in applying the technology to gene editing, having previously used CRISPR to understand the mechanisms behind how venoms cause cell death and pain, and how proteins bind to cells, including the crucial spike protein in SARS-CoV-2.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 27 July 2025
Noun
  • The Michigan Legislature passed a law in 2008 meant to protect the public from harmful electronic waste toxics.
    Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 27 Dec. 2025
  • Environmental advocates say the new regulation of air toxics, which was required under a 2022 bill called Public Protections From Toxic Air Contaminants, will make the state’s air cleaner and its people healthier.
    Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pesticides.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pesticides. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

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