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

Pest control Many common rose pests — including rose slugs, thrips, chilli thrips, and spider mites — pupate in the soil or overwinter in fallen plant debris. — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

In Fallen Leaves Adult pests, larvae, and eggs can all hide out in old and fallen leaves that have dropped off deciduous plants, trees, and dead veggies. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 6 Nov. 2026

Do Some Rose Housekeeping While the leaves are still on the plants, check for pests. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2026

State inspections also cited other pests (roaches and flies), as well as staff hygiene issues, including one employee seen scratching their nose then handling clean utensils. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026

Fertilize regularly, manage pests, and avoid pruning green leaves to support growth; harvest sprouts when walnut-sized. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2026

Direct ownership is highly illiquid and comes with management costs, property taxes, harvesting expenses, exposure to local timber markets, and risks including wildfire, pests, disease and trespassers hunting or cutting trees. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026

Plant Armor tackles some of these challenges, starting with the pests. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026

For properties other than single-family homes and duplexes, the statute addresses reasonable provisions for clean and safe common areas along with services such as garbage removal and extermination of certain pests. — Emma Clapp, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026