pesticides

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 Loss of habitat and use of pesticides have shrunk the mascot’s numbers. Hollace Ava Weiner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Oct. 2025 Before eating, wash the watermelon thoroughly to remove any pesticides or impurities from the skin. Lauren Manaker Ms, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2025 Many schools grow vegetables—without chemical pesticides of course. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 2 Oct. 2025 These toxins include industrial solvents such as dioxins — dangerous chemicals created as by-products during manufacturing — as well as pesticides and some plastics. Tom Frieden, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025 Lee Zeldin, the head of the EPA, has said the agency—which has come under scrutiny for hiring three chemical industry lobbyists to critical roles in its chemicals office—is expediting the review process for pesticides. Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 29 Sep. 2025 This work highlighted the environmental damage caused by pesticides, particularly DDT, and is often credited with launching the modern environmental movement. Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025 While pollinators die in large numbers due to exposure to neonicotinoids, those trying to save bees are forced to prove the harmfulness of the substances used in pesticides, while industry pushes back. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2025 Cutting back on mowing, limiting pesticides and creating windbreaks will all help monarchs survive. Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pesticides
Noun
  • In that timespan, prosecutors say Craig researched poisons and then bought arsenic, cyanide and other deadly substances and used them to kill his wife, Angela Craig.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2025
  • It is built for gas exchange, not for filtering poisons.
    Bill Frist, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Broadleaf herbicides are effective, too, and fall is the best time to apply them.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
  • To do so, executives will spin off SpinCo to lead the seed business while rebranding Corteva to New Corteva to offer herbicides, fungicides and other pesticide products that protect crops.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While many consider the mammal a nuisance for raiding garbage cans and damaging property, raccoons can also carry diseases, and they probably shouldn't be kept as housepets.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Consuming too many calories paves the way for obesity and related diseases like Type 2 diabetes.
    Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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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“Pesticides.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pesticides. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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