Synonyms of pests

pests

noun

plural of pest

1

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

• plagues
• pestilences
• infections
• epidemics
• illnesses
• ailments
• maladies
• sicknesses
• pandemics
• infirmities
• blights
• contagions
• murrains
• afflictions
• scourges
• curses
• affections

2

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

• nuisances
• annoyances
• annoyers
• gadflies
• pains
• teases
• persecutors
• headaches
• bothers
• teasers
• pains in the neck
• gnawers
• plagues
• nudniks
• hecklers
• interrupters
• harriers
• tormentors
• harassers
• torturers
• molesters
• hassles

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• charmers
• smoothies
• comforters
• soothers
• solacers

3

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

• headaches
• nuisances
• thorns
• irritants
• worries
• frustrations
• problems
• annoyances
• inconveniences
• hair shirts
• vexations
• bugbears
• aggravations
• menaces
• exasperations
• irks
• rubs
• trials
• peeves
• ruffles
• hassles
• anxieties
• botherations
• discomforts
• insults
• bothers
• plagues
• aggros
• troubles
• curses
• fleabites
• offenders
• burdens
• predicaments
• affronts
• disturbers
• pinpricks
• annoyers
• sores
• upsets
• plights
• tribulations
• offenses
• mischiefs
• albatross
• afflictions
• harassers
• millstones
• hang-ups
• crosses
• pet peeves
• pandora's boxes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pleasures
• joys
• delights

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pests

If warm and dry conditions persist into fall, cool-season pests like rodents, Asian lady beetles, and boxelder bugs may show up later than normal. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 25 Sep. 2026

Always wash produce thoroughly, using methods like vinegar soaks for dirt and pests. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2026

The plant is not prone to problems with pests or diseases, and the basal foliage should remain fresh until spring. — Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 22 Sep. 2026

Though the rate of killing has lessened today, with some states restricting the shooting of prairie dogs, they’re still widely considered pests among ranchers. — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Mosquito bites are to be expected in the warm summer months, but increasingly these pests are hanging around into autumn. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Removing the overwintering adults from your garden should reduce the pests significantly. — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

Maintaining a lush, healthy lawn takes year-round diligence to keep soil healthy and weeds, pests, and diseases at bay. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026

While the gnats may not pose a threat to people, one of the more annoying pests is increasing because of the wet conditions. — John Shumway, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026