PESTS Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

pests

noun

plural of pest

as in plagues

a widespread disease resulting in a high rate of death one of the great pests of the 20th century was the influenza epidemic of 1918, which killed millions across the globe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in nuisances

one who is obnoxiously annoying stop being a pest to your sister and go find something else to do

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in headaches

something that is a source of irritation a never-ending construction project that continues to be a pest for motorists

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 pests According to the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (UC IPM), California is home to roughly 270 ant species, although only a small number are considered pests. — The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026 Insulation can improve your home’s energy efficiency and can also help keep pests out. — Dan Simms, USA Today, 11 July 2026 These pests can wreak havoc on lawns and greenery, from ornamental trees like birch and oak to essential garden crops, including tomatoes, beans, and onions. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026 Ranchers have to be vigilant about ticks, flies and other pests that can infect livestock. — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026 Clothes moths are indoor pests notorious for ruining the best threads in any closet. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2026 This can also create a breeding ground for unwanted pests and fungal diseases. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 10 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pests

Noun

The nets, for the most part, stay out consistently, says Roos, though they are checked regularly, every few days, which prevents not only the algae problem that plagues farmed fish, but also fishermen, as well.

— Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026
Previously, older strains appeared to lack the genetic traits that enabled them to spread, leading scientists to think that early plagues were unlikely to trigger outbreaks.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 17 June 2026

Definition of plagues

Noun

Besides being nuisances, many types carry diseases including West Nile virus, encephalitis, and canine heartworm.

— Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
If the nuisances continue at Albany Care, the city is seeking a court order to shut the facility down, separate from the state action.

— Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026

Definition of nuisances

Noun

Oshea Orchid, a local lawyer, filed the first class-action lawsuit in 2023 against the operators of the county’s second-largest landfill, alleging the fumes were sickening her neighbors, causing headaches and heart palpitations.

— Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Body mists are usually an easy win for anyone prone to headaches.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 July 2026

Definition of headaches

Noun

Everyday annoyances add up fast, but fixing them doesn’t have to break the bank.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2026
But at that point, the headlines were still focused on relatively benign annoyances like car engines conking out, or a bridge getting stuck on Roosevelt Road.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of annoyances

Noun

And as Jones notes, much of that is due to the actors who’ve thrown themselves into the characters, thorns and all.

— Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
Later, after a half-day tour to the nearby towns of Lampa and Pucará, the team made magic again, with a lunch in a forest of towering Puya raimondii, otherworldly bromeliads with thorns like piranha teeth.

— Chris Schalkx, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026

Definition of thorns

Noun

Doing so will increase the likelihood of heavy metal particles, which can carry lung irritants and carcinogens, being spread and inhaled.

— Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Exposure to other irritants, such as dust, chemicals and pollution, can also cause it.

— Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026

Definition of irritants

Noun

Rewarding The Long-Term Customer One of the most common frustrations in telecom is the belief that new customers get the best deals while long-term customers are left behind.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Recent allegations of irregularities in government recruitment exams have only deepened frustrations among some young Indians.

— Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Definition of frustrations

Browse Nearby Words

pestled

pests

pesty

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“Pests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pests. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of pests

noun

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