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

However, pests, heat stress, and diseases like leaf spot can also cause leaf drop. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026

The result will be a multi-trunk tree with weak branches growing from a rotting stump that can attract pests like termites and carpenter ants. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026

These plant pests stimulate the Mexican petunia foliage to grow hairlike portions that form the white patches. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

Otherwise, consider paying for an exterminator to rid your home of pests the right way, which is usually the safest way. — Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026

Of course, the list of invertebrates include mosquitoes, gnats, yellow flies, ticks and other biting pests, which are most annoying June through August but can be nuisances at other times of the year. — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026

Currently, all vessels entering New Zealand waters are required to have a clean hull to reduce the risk of biofouling pests. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 25 July 2026