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
This perennial prairie native thrives in poor soil and summer heat, tolerating drought, deer, and pests.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
Ira Parker, the co-creator and showrunner behind A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, confirms these pests were a genuine issue when filming this big set piece.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026
Peppers are prone to being invaded by aphids, spider mites, and other pests until rosemary plants come and save the day.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026
Play Predator Sounds Sound systems that emit predator noises are another easy way to keep these garden pests out of your yard.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026
Inspectors intercepted more than 600 pests and plant diseases so far this year, the agency said.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
Use these tips to further avoid spreading harmful pests.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025
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
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
Ira Parker, the co-creator and showrunner behind A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, confirms these pests were a genuine issue when filming this big set piece.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026
Peppers are prone to being invaded by aphids, spider mites, and other pests until rosemary plants come and save the day.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026
Play Predator Sounds Sound systems that emit predator noises are another easy way to keep these garden pests out of your yard.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026
Inspectors intercepted more than 600 pests and plant diseases so far this year, the agency said.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
Use these tips to further avoid spreading harmful pests.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025
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
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As a small rural settlement is swiftly and ruthlessly stripped bare by the twin plagues of a diphtheria epidemic and spreading wildfires, the film eventually descends into a near-literal hellscape, though even when pandemonium takes over on screen, Van Dusen’s formal control never wavers.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
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But the add-on to lock devices separated from their owner’s watch is a major plus point, especially as the smartphone theft pandemic plagues users worldwide.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Barry said the new penalties are being enacted to coincide with the town’s passage of new rules dealing with nuisances and stormwater issues.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Jody Allen should not appear on a list of the NFL’s biggest nuisances.—
Jerry Brewer,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That would create major headaches and cause even more travel disruptions than occur.—
Al Weaver,
The Hill,
17 Feb. 2026
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Airbags and seatbelts help, but people may still end up with lingering pain, limited movement, or headaches.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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People have the desire to evolve together, and get past the minor annoyances of a Gemini being too flighty for an intense Scorpio or a Leo’s dramatics overshadowing Taurus’s kindness.—
Lisa Stardust,
Vogue,
14 Feb. 2026
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Cold-weather conditions can be a unique challenge even for the most meticulous cleaner, but a few adjustments can help prevent minor annoyances from becoming persistent problems.—
Katie Cloyd,
Martha Stewart,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The fungus enters the body through small cuts or puncture wounds, often from rose thorns or splinters.—
Leslie Baumann,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
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In Christianity, its leaves represent the crown of thorns and berries Christ’s blood.—
Clarence Schmidt,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Taking steps to limit exposure to potential irritants like chemicals is also important.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
13 Feb. 2026
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Volunteers spoke of the risks of verbal and physical confrontations with ICE agents, including the use of pepper spray and other irritants against observers and even arrests.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Holly Sleppy, a 52-year-old who works at Virtua, shared her frustrations, which many menopausal women are feeling because of a shortage of the estrogen patches used to treat symptoms like hot flashes, irritability and brain fog.—
Stephanie Stahl,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
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Elfman, sharing the board’s frustrations, said Foxboro’s police and fire chiefs have been preparing for the World Cup for over three years.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The announcement was made Wednesday at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where leading tech executives, government officials and AI researchers are debating how to use AI to solve real-world problems.—
Hanna Ziady,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
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The government also stopped collecting and reporting crucial survey findings on transgender students — data that have shown higher rates of depression, drug use, bullying and other problems.—
Mike Stobbe,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pests. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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