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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pests
While on your daily garden walk, take a moment to pause here and there and let your eyes roam, looking for pests.
—
Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025
Summer pruning helps remove lanky growth and improve airflow to discourage disease and pests.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2025
This provides extra protection against mosquitoes, flies, and other pests without the need to coat yourself in bug spray from head to toe.
—Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 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
Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025
Summer pruning helps remove lanky growth and improve airflow to discourage disease and pests.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2025
This provides extra protection against mosquitoes, flies, and other pests without the need to coat yourself in bug spray from head to toe.
—Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 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
-
But according to Aaron Shmulewitz, a real-estate lawyer, the process for dealing with a repeat window flasher in your co-op isn’t all that different from other nuisances like someone across the hall blasting metal music at midnight.—
Matthew Sedacca,
Curbed,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
There have been several Republican senatorial candidates who have caused major headaches for the party.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
PaaS let developers skip infrastructure headaches.—
Vincentas Grinius,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
One was treated for minor injuries, likely from rose-bush thorns, Christensen said.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Both the northern and southern branches of the reef have been battered lately by tropical storms and the encroachment of invasive coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish, but heat stress driven by warming oceans is the primary cause, scientists told the BBC.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Minor annoyances suddenly widen into a chasm neither can cross.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Overgrown weeds, overhanging branches, litter, loud noises — all of these annoyances might come from your Milwaukee neighbor, but not every complaint should go to the same place.—
Quinn Clark,
jsonline.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The test identifies over 120 allergens, including food intolerances, environmental triggers, and household irritants.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
6 Sep. 2025
-
This filtration system ensures that your floors are getting their most thorough clean, while also ridding your space of irritants like dust that can cause allergy flare-ups.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Don't hide from the layers of emotions and frustrations.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
-
West Ham United fans are no strangers to voicing their frustrations at the club’s board.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Attached to Paxton is a long list of ethical and moral problems.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Ellison pledged to give away 95% of his wealth to advance scientific research and solve complex problems related to health and aging.—
Martine Paris,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pests. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share