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
Do these pests pose any threats to our health?
—
Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 17 June 2026
Failing to correct problems can lead to crumbling home foundations, rotting wood, mold growth, and a proliferation of pests, including termites.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
Treat pests and diseases quickly to keep it from spreading to your other plants.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 16 June 2026
Officials said in a news release last year that primarily Ponderosa pine would be left in the area, which are more resistant to pests.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 10 June 2026
Available in either black or white, this round insect trap uses UV lights and a fan to lure and suck in nearby flying pests with ease.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 June 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
Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 17 June 2026
Failing to correct problems can lead to crumbling home foundations, rotting wood, mold growth, and a proliferation of pests, including termites.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 16 June 2026
Treat pests and diseases quickly to keep it from spreading to your other plants.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 16 June 2026
Officials said in a news release last year that primarily Ponderosa pine would be left in the area, which are more resistant to pests.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 10 June 2026
Available in either black or white, this round insect trap uses UV lights and a fan to lure and suck in nearby flying pests with ease.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 June 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
-
Previously, older strains appeared to lack the genetic traits that enabled them to spread, leading scientists to think that early plagues were unlikely to trigger outbreaks.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
-
But there's evidence that earlier plagues were just as deadly.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Besides being nuisances, many types carry diseases including West Nile virus, encephalitis, and canine heartworm.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
18 June 2026
-
If the nuisances continue at Albany Care, the city is seeking a court order to shut the facility down, separate from the state action.—
Robert McCoppin,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
But the departures are often bigger PR headaches than operational ones.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
23 June 2026
-
But the move enabled Florida to lock in what will be one of the best top-six forward groups in the league, slotting Brady Tkachuck into the left wing spot on the second line alongside center Sam Bennett and right wing Matthew Tkachuk that will cause opponents major headaches.—
Eduardo A. Encina,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
These scams are not random annoyances.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2026
-
Being in the same room can make issues worse, with choosing what to watch on television and snoring being the biggest annoyances.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
However, some homeowners may be wary of planting roses because of their heavy thorns—especially in households with children or pets.—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
15 June 2026
-
Often reaching up to six feet tall, these bushes, also known as brambles, have sharp thorns covering their branches.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Trump regularly regales audiences with his prowess as a dealmaker by recounting conversations he's had with Macron about trade irritants, mimicking Macron's responses in an exaggerated accent.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 June 2026
-
Chemicals from the fire include respiratory irritants, toxic gases, carcinogens and at least one neurotoxin, according to the San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services.—
Brandon Downs,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Putting those questions up front helps avoid the tenant frustrations that have dogged parts of the industry as operators expand, contract or change hands.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
17 June 2026
-
Local media reported the clashes involving small groups of migrants erupted because of frustrations at the delays in them returning home.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
On Tuesday, some customers were still reporting problems accessing accounts, updating banking information and navigating the transition.—
Jasmine Arenas,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
-
Peterson has since said an increase in his creatine intake was to blame for his cramping problems.—
Rohan Nadkarni,
NBC news,
24 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pests. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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