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
Relevance
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pests
Place them around the base of plants that tend to attract pests or along the edges of garden beds.
—
Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
Each animal serves as an important part of the ecosystem, whether that’s cleaning up dead animals or preying on common garden pests.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 6 May 2026
Companion planting improves plant health, deters pests, and enhances soil quality.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 May 2026
To extend your harvest and avoid common pests like squash vine borers, sow a second crop of zucchini in midsummer.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 May 2026
According to the university, the USDA funding supports 4-H, a social and educational youth program; training to help farmers manage pests; and research to ensure the sustainability of Maine’s lobster industry, among other programs.
—Reuters, NBC News, 12 Mar. 2025
Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
Each animal serves as an important part of the ecosystem, whether that’s cleaning up dead animals or preying on common garden pests.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 6 May 2026
Companion planting improves plant health, deters pests, and enhances soil quality.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 May 2026
To extend your harvest and avoid common pests like squash vine borers, sow a second crop of zucchini in midsummer.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 May 2026
According to the university, the USDA funding supports 4-H, a social and educational youth program; training to help farmers manage pests; and research to ensure the sustainability of Maine’s lobster industry, among other programs.
—Reuters, NBC News, 12 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pests
Noun
-
Another kind of typhus, carried by lice and caused by the bacteria Rickettsia prowazekii, produced historic plagues that devastated populations during times of war, famine and poverty, the National Institutes for Health said.—
Don Sweeney
April 8,
Sacbee.com,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Most references to the Arbat in the ancient chronicles are connected to fires, amid mention of invasions and plagues and noble births.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Previous modernization efforts The airport has previously suffered from a host of issues that have proved nuisances for travelers, including green liquid falling from the ceiling and broken escalators.—
Sarah Perkel,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
-
As a bonus, these plants are generally deer resistant, which may keep these nuisances from crossing over the garden border.—
Haniya Rae,
Martha Stewart,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The real story behind one of Texas’ biggest wildlife headaches starts with a decision the state made on purpose.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Some journalists draw a line between the government's mounting headaches and its escalating attacks on the messengers of that news.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Nothing can turn these joyful moments into annoyances faster than a swarm of bugs showing up uninvited.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
3 May 2026
-
Despite the annoyances, the smile is genuine.—
Maxwell Adler,
Vanity Fair,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Also known as seaberry, Fried says this plant is notable for its resistance to deer because of its sharp thorns and tree-like height.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Use clean pruners to trim away shoots, thorns, or roots along the soil and to help maintain the tree’s size.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Caffeine, alcohol and certain acidic or spicy foods can act as bladder irritants for some people.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
1 May 2026
-
An open window, your shoes, or even your clothing could bring in pollen or other outdoor irritants.—
Angie Hicks,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Not all of Reform’s support stems from frustrations of urban decay.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
6 May 2026
-
Instead, each character has her own distinct personality, her own specific frustrations with her life, and her own approach to working through those issues in song.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Orlando’s defense caused problems early for Detroit when the Magic forced seven turnovers in the opening four minutes and jumped out to a 19-7 lead.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
In severe pain, Connecticut resident Tenaya Taylor sought treatment for dental problems a few years ago.—
Kaitlin McCallum,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pests. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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