as in dwarf
a person of no importance or influence
the magazine's editor in chief was notorious for treating staffers as insects, often not even bothering to learn their names
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of insect
If there were a theme this year, there are many insects and road signs, with steel and bronze most prominent.
—
Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 1 Apr. 2026
Common Pests & Problems Milky Way™ Dietes is a robust plant that weathers occasional insects, disease, and other challenges quite well.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026
In order to complete their annual migration, hummingbirds consume half their body weight in insects and nectar by feeding every 10 to 15 minutes and visiting 1,000 to 2,000 flowers per day.
—Katie Landeck, The Providence Journal, 1 Apr. 2026
Thyme, known for its strong scent, repels pests and attracts beneficial insects.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insect
Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 1 Apr. 2026
Common Pests & Problems Milky Way™ Dietes is a robust plant that weathers occasional insects, disease, and other challenges quite well.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026
In order to complete their annual migration, hummingbirds consume half their body weight in insects and nectar by feeding every 10 to 15 minutes and visiting 1,000 to 2,000 flowers per day.
—Katie Landeck, The Providence Journal, 1 Apr. 2026
Thyme, known for its strong scent, repels pests and attracts beneficial insects.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insect
Noun
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The Dodgers’ $850-million annual revenue dwarfs competitors like the Diamondbacks at $324 million, exemplifying the financial gulf driving owners’ desire for cost controls.—
Bill Shaikin,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
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In a new study published on Monday in the Astrophysical Journal, researchers used computers to simulate the two dwarf galaxies’ 100-million-year-long collision.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
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As zonky cross-generational ciphers go, the group’s debut, Strictly 4 the Scythe, is no Hypnotize Camp Posse, the amalgam of Three 6 Mafia and a grip of artists signed to their Hypnotize Minds label in the early 2000s.—
Dylan Green,
Pitchfork,
12 Mar. 2026
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The still-unidentified Zodiac Killer, who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s, frequently sent threats, demands and ciphers to multiple local papers — namely the San Francisco Chronicle.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Seattle’s John Schneider and New England’s Eliot Wolf rose up from young nobodies to graduate from Green Bay Packers University, too.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
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Many of Newsom’s critics who breathlessly report on his evil plans (that the left-wing mainstream media supposedly cover up) are just nobodies who feign authority and are obviously fronting for right-wing organizations.—
Dan Walters,
Oc Register,
16 Dec. 2025
Noun
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The Extra Virgin Hydrating Face Oil is a lightweight yet deeply moisturizing option for the face, neck and hands, helping promote a fresh, radiant appearance without clogging pores.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Mar. 2026
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The midsole features foam cushions that provide excellent support while keeping the shoe lightweight.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Later that month, his daughter, who lives abroad, received a call from an unknown number informing her that her brother had been shot and killed.—
Cora Engelbrecht,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
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That means $27 million in new state tax revenue, according to numbers provided by the Department of Revenue.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Insect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insect. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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