as in plague
a widespread disease resulting in a high rate of death the fear that terrorists could unleash a pestilence that would wreak unspeakable havoc

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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 pestilence Being omnivorous, with a very long and efficient gut, humans coped better than other mammals in the face of pestilence and drought, the better to ensure our survival. John Mariani, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 Disease, pestilence and death: Has unsealing King Tut's tomb unleashed an ancient curse? Fox Nation's 'Tales of Terror: The Curse of King Tut' unravels the media frenzy after the uncovering of the Egyptian pharaoh's ancient tomb and the devastation that followed. Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 4 Dec. 2024 Disease, pestilence and death: Has unsealing King Tut's tomb unleashed an ancient curse? Fox Nation's 'Tales of Terror: The Curse of King Tut' unravels the media frenzy that came on the heels of uncovering the Egyptian pharaoh's ancient tomb and the devastation that followed. Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 30 Nov. 2024 Sometimes, what happens at the border — contraband, counterfeit items, illicit drugs, agricultural pestilence and non-native plant species — stays at the border. Mandi Wright, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for pestilence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pestilence
plague
Noun
  • Ticket Information The crypt beneath the historic St Bride’s Church on Fleet Street contains Roman pavements, medieval foundations, and even plague burial sites.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Health and safety issues plague hotels used as emergency shelters across the state.
    Spencer Norris, ProPublica, 24 June 2025

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“Pestilence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pestilence. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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