as in nuisance
one who is obnoxiously annoying
the journalist was known as a gadfly for exposing hypocrisy in politics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 gadfly
Keith Turner, along with political gadfly Margaret Carrasco, filed objections to her candidacy petitions last month.
—
Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025
When Zeus took a liking to princess Io, Hera turned her into a heifer, then sent a gadfly – like a horse fly – to sting her constantly.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2025
Also trailing on the ballot were Jack Potter and political gadfly Margaret Carrasco.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
Sliwa is many things: a seventy-year-old gadfly, a blowhard of the old school, and a New Yorker’s New Yorker.
—Kent Russell, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gadfly
Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025
When Zeus took a liking to princess Io, Hera turned her into a heifer, then sent a gadfly – like a horse fly – to sting her constantly.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2025
Also trailing on the ballot were Jack Potter and political gadfly Margaret Carrasco.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
Sliwa is many things: a seventy-year-old gadfly, a blowhard of the old school, and a New Yorker’s New Yorker.
—Kent Russell, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gadfly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gadfly
Noun
-
While the Black Series trailers are no longer a problem for City of Industry and Los Angeles County authorities, Wildomar officials say the trailers are now a nuisance for them.—
Nathan Solis,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Both communities have spotlighted the importance of responsible tourism, where travelers are respectful and supportive of the local community, without being a nuisance or irresponsible.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Rosin produced with outdoor flower is more susceptible to microbial contamination and pest infestation, requiring more pesticide treatments and potentially remediation.—
David Goldburg,
Hartford Courant,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Using other plants to minimize unwanted insects is a natural way for pest control.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This, predictably, doesn’t go over well with Ellie, who refuses to take the assignment and mockingly shouts about her secret Cordyceps immunity to Tommy’s annoyance.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Well, this wasn't the only instance of Scheffler's annoyance affecting him.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gadfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gadfly. Accessed 10 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share