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
Industry reaction Chlorpyrifos is used to control different kinds of pests, like termites, mosquitoes and roundworms, among crops, according to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at Oregon State University.
—
Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Terri Maguire, maintenance manager with Van Slyke Landscape, also suggested being very careful with maintenance products and chemicals like fertilizers as well as traps and bait for what people consider pests.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Interplanting is also said to reduce pests and disease.
—Sarah Lyon, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2026
Native to Asia, black carp were initially imported into the United States in the 1970s and 1980s to control snail pests in aquaculture ponds.
—Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 18 Mar. 2026
Novice gardeners may start with optimism, but they can sometimes be discouraged by summer pests, weeds, and maintenance.
—Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026
Debate over a bill that aimed to monitor the Treasure Valley’s burgeoning rat problem became a regional dispute on Tuesday as the House voted down a measure that would have enlisted the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to collect data on the invasive pests.
—Mark Dee
march 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026
With spring and its many rain showers right around the corner, the combination of excessive moisture and a weak roof can create problems ranging from water leaks and structural damage to mold growth and even an increase of pests.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026
To maintain lawn health, be vigilant about weed management and regularly monitor for pests and diseases.
—Lauren Wellbank, Martha Stewart, 16 Mar. 2026
Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Terri Maguire, maintenance manager with Van Slyke Landscape, also suggested being very careful with maintenance products and chemicals like fertilizers as well as traps and bait for what people consider pests.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Interplanting is also said to reduce pests and disease.
—Sarah Lyon, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2026
Native to Asia, black carp were initially imported into the United States in the 1970s and 1980s to control snail pests in aquaculture ponds.
—Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 18 Mar. 2026
Novice gardeners may start with optimism, but they can sometimes be discouraged by summer pests, weeds, and maintenance.
—Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026
Debate over a bill that aimed to monitor the Treasure Valley’s burgeoning rat problem became a regional dispute on Tuesday as the House voted down a measure that would have enlisted the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to collect data on the invasive pests.
—Mark Dee
march 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026
With spring and its many rain showers right around the corner, the combination of excessive moisture and a weak roof can create problems ranging from water leaks and structural damage to mold growth and even an increase of pests.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026
To maintain lawn health, be vigilant about weed management and regularly monitor for pests and diseases.
—Lauren Wellbank, Martha Stewart, 16 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pests
Noun
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The team treats patients against a backdrop of all-too-common American societal plagues, from substance use disorder to medical bankruptcies and mass shootings.—
Christian Dameff,
The Conversation,
20 Mar. 2026
-
At least 25 are killed as flash flooding plagues Nairobi.—
Evelyne Musambi,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The end of the hibernation period in spring brings new bat movement, which means more nuisances for homes with roosts.—
Caden Perry,
jsonline.com,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The Florida law shields shooting ranges, specifically, from being sued as nuisances.—
Christopher Spata,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This assortment also offers pain relief solutions from head to toe for headaches, bunion support and more, plus wellness hacks from a tongue scraper to compression gear.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Mar. 2026
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In addition to vomiting blood, Chris also has suffered from nose bleeds, headaches, chest pain and weakness.—
Amy Lavalley,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Shatner deftly presents Kirk's delicate handling of interstellar trader Cyrano Jones's multiplying annoyances with a gentle humor and relaxed resignation as to the absurdity of the situation aboard the Enterprise.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
22 Mar. 2026
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One of the great delights, but also slight annoyances of doing a show as popular as American Psycho, [is] that family, friends, everyone wants to see it.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Odor is a botanical defense mechanism as much as thistles and thorns.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Get Tough Purchase ones made from cowhide, goatskin, or pigskin leather or abrasion-resistant canvas that will be harder for thorns to penetrate.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There certainly are harmful chemicals, carcinogens, toxins, heavy metals, respiratory irritants and other things inside of there that certainly can cause immediate harm.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
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That's because these substances accumulate quickly in bedding and create an ideal environment for dust mites and other irritants.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The most common complaints from Hers reviewers on Trustpilot and the BBB involve frustrations around figuring out how to cancel a subscription, shipping delays and the strict return policy (with refunds rarely given).—
Rebecca Strong,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
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Murphy has vented frustrations about Congress taking a back seat since the initial strikes against Iran started a month ago, despite the body’s constitutional authority to declare war.—
Lisa Hagen,
Hartford Courant,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The more complex the problems become, the greater the demands on those external resources, while those resources themselves — due to the increasing specialization of the nature of the assignments — become less available, less comprehensive, and less sufficient overall.—
Ethan Siegel,
Big Think,
25 Mar. 2026
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And with that comes flat tires, alignment issues, bent suspension and other problems from drivers hitting potholes.—
Jeff Wagner,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pests. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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