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
Outer openings not protected against entry of pests (back door open).
—
Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Oct. 2025
Boxelder bugs are North American pests that look similar to beetles—but aren’t.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025
Taking advantage of vertical space in a garage not only helps keep things organized, but also frees up floor space and protects items from dirt, dust, pests like mice and rats, and moisture.
—Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2025
Hot water should be used to kill germs, bacteria, and pests, and thankfully, those aren’t everyday situations.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025
In addition, pests like those obnoxious mosquitoes will have longer active seasons prior to the beginning of the first freeze.
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
More notable, however, is a four-minute sequence in which the film turns into an actual first-person shooter, and Reaper runs through corridors brandishing guns, grenades, and, of course, the franchise's iconic chainsaw to exterminate some unwanted pests.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2025
The Agfabric frost blanket is a simple way to protect plants from frost, wind and pests without smothering them.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Other tenants complained about leaks and pests; his buildings currently have a total of 116 open HPD violations.
—Clio Chang, Curbed, 14 Oct. 2025
Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Oct. 2025
Boxelder bugs are North American pests that look similar to beetles—but aren’t.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025
Taking advantage of vertical space in a garage not only helps keep things organized, but also frees up floor space and protects items from dirt, dust, pests like mice and rats, and moisture.
—Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2025
Hot water should be used to kill germs, bacteria, and pests, and thankfully, those aren’t everyday situations.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025
In addition, pests like those obnoxious mosquitoes will have longer active seasons prior to the beginning of the first freeze.
—Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
More notable, however, is a four-minute sequence in which the film turns into an actual first-person shooter, and Reaper runs through corridors brandishing guns, grenades, and, of course, the franchise's iconic chainsaw to exterminate some unwanted pests.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2025
The Agfabric frost blanket is a simple way to protect plants from frost, wind and pests without smothering them.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Other tenants complained about leaks and pests; his buildings currently have a total of 116 open HPD violations.
—Clio Chang, Curbed, 14 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pests
Noun
-
Sure, to be entirely historically accurate, negative things like plagues, beheadings and poverty would likely factor in to the villagers’ lives.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Decades ago, marshes were considered nuisances, soggy flats to be drained, dried, and made waterproof with liberal coatings of asphalt.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Side effects may include stomach issues, headaches, and rare kidney problems from contamination.—
Sarah Anzlovar,
Verywell Health,
23 Oct. 2025
-
In the year before his death, Thomas had been struggling with his mental health, as well as daily headaches and memory loss, his parents said at the time.—
Natasha Dye,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Buds will fail to open properly, and some of the canes will have multitudes of thorns.—
Neil Sperry,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Since his introduction in Peacemaker’s first season, the sarcastic, Cheeto-devouring martial arts expert has been one of the sharpest thorns in the sides of the 11th Street Kids.—
Scott Meslow,
Vulture,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But that conspiracy tends to manifest in the form of universal contemporary annoyances.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
9 Oct. 2025
-
One of my long-standing annoyances with macOS was the lack of control over the menu bar.—
Edward Mendelson,
PC Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The June 14 protests were mostly peaceful until protesters and local law enforcement officers clashed in downtown LA, leading to officers deploying chemical irritants and flash bang grenades at civilians.—
Madeline Armstrong,
Oc Register,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Have protective goggles or shatter-resistant glasses (for tear gas or irritants).—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Going forward, Nason thinks Gen Z’s job crisis needs to be addressed sooner rather than later, as their student loans start to accumulate and frustrations bubble.—
Jessica Coacci,
Fortune,
23 Oct. 2025
-
The mise en abyme of the film is reflected in Fellini’s own frustrations during the preproduction of 8 1/2.—
Erik Morse,
Vogue,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Prior to her latest health scare, Bardot was treated for respiratory problems in 2023 after struggling to breathe due to the heat.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Side effects may include stomach issues, headaches, and rare kidney problems from contamination.—
Sarah Anzlovar,
Verywell Health,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pests. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
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