1
as in plague
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
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2
as in nuisance
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 headache
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
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Recent Examples of pest
Outer openings not protected against entry of pests (back door).
—
Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Brewer thinks that's why coffee grounds are being recommended for everything from organic fertilizer to pest control to a way to change hydrangea bloom color.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2025
Like the black midges that hover around your forehead in the heat this time of year, another unwelcome summertime pest is the string of new state taxes unleashed upon us each year.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Evan’s already convinced a host of Southern California homeowners to entrust him with their pest control needs and is on his way to making tens of thousands of dollars this summer.
—Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Brewer thinks that's why coffee grounds are being recommended for everything from organic fertilizer to pest control to a way to change hydrangea bloom color.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2025
Like the black midges that hover around your forehead in the heat this time of year, another unwelcome summertime pest is the string of new state taxes unleashed upon us each year.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Evan’s already convinced a host of Southern California homeowners to entrust him with their pest control needs and is on his way to making tens of thousands of dollars this summer.
—Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pest
Noun
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This is in addition to the broader advice given the plague of text message attacks now targeting American citizens.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
The sylvatic plague is the same bacterium that causes bubonic and pneumonic plague in humans.—
Catherine Reagor,
AZCentral.com,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
The city’s multidisciplinary public task force, established in August 2023, was formed to investigate businesses and properties that have public safety concerns and city ordinance violations like nuisances and municipal offenses.—
PJ Green
July 10,
Kansas City Star,
10 July 2025
-
There is also an AI consultant… who probably would have come in handy last season dealing with the artificial intelligence nuisances that were Ainsley and Jankie.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Some headaches are related to muscle tension and can be triggered by stress.9 Hot showers or baths promote relaxation.—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
9 July 2025
-
These can seem like a real headache for a sole trader who does not have an HR department to take care of all this for them.—
Peter Boolkah,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
James Tolkan plays Gerald Strickland, who worked at Hill Valley High School and, in both 1955 and 1985, was a thorn in the side of the McFlys.—
Jonathon Dornbush,
EW.com,
3 July 2025
-
Many people had thoughts about what was said, especially the constant thorn in Puff’s side, 50 Cent.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
Most concerning: The Royals’ lineup is far past the point of frustration and teetering toward pure annoyance for those at The K. Here is how Saturday’s scenario played out.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
13 July 2025
-
Don’t think, just play Despite its minor annoyances, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 lives up to the hype and should be a day-one treat for gamers worldwide.—
Matt Gardner,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Reducing exposure to irritants like chlorine can be helpful there.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
9 July 2025
-
Many have been peaceful, but some have resulted in clashes with law enforcement as officers made arrests and used chemical irritants to disperse crowds.—
Khaleda Rahman
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 June 2025
Noun
-
Clark voiced her frustration that one of her teammates wasn’t spending enough time in the gym.—
Elise Devlin,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
-
Just ask Paige Spiranac, former LPGA hopeful turned golf influencer, who recently took it to X to voice her frustration.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pest. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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