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
The caterpillar cloaks itself in the body parts of dead insects, crafting a protective casing out of the remains to camouflage itself while lurking on spider webs.
—
Moná Thomas, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Bone collectors will target and kill weakened or slow-moving insects, even hunting and cannibalizing their own kind.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025
Schaus’ swallowtails, like many of the insects that Zimmerman studies, have many offspring, and their populations can balloon under the right conditions.
—Marina Wang, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
The implications reach beyond just understanding these insects, the scientists said.
—Doc Louallen, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insect
Moná Thomas, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Bone collectors will target and kill weakened or slow-moving insects, even hunting and cannibalizing their own kind.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025
Schaus’ swallowtails, like many of the insects that Zimmerman studies, have many offspring, and their populations can balloon under the right conditions.
—Marina Wang, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
The implications reach beyond just understanding these insects, the scientists said.
—Doc Louallen, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insect
Noun
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Emperor tamarins are dwarf monkeys with whiskers that resemble a white moustache.—
Robert Higgs,
cleveland,
1 Feb. 2023
-
The dwarf variety grows to be about 5 to 7 feet, ideal for a small garden or accent in a room with limited space.—
Bryce Jones,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Jan. 2023
Noun
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If Belinda’s lightning-fast transformation is a cipher for Mike White’s thoughts on the corrosive power of money, then perhaps Laurie’s emotional speech comes closest to explaining how a good life could be oriented.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
7 Apr. 2025
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We’re used to seeing movie presidents who are stalwart ciphers, but Harrison Ford plays Ross like Ronald Reagan with anger-management issues.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
12 Feb. 2025
Noun
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While some men are jumping on board, the most popular of these creators—which range from nobodies doing voiceovers to far-right provocateurs like Candance Owens and Megyn Kelly—are women speaking to other women.—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
14 Mar. 2025
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Those free passes were a frequent abuse of the law in the past, and low-profile corporate nobodies got away with them for years.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Crocs continues to be a popular brand for comfortable shoes thanks to the iconic cushy foam that makes its footwear lightweight and easy to clean.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2025
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The bodywork is formed from hemp-fiber composites, bio-resins, and bamboo elements, creating a lightweight yet structurally formidable exoskeleton.—
The Editors,
Robb Report,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Pour the sauce over and gently toss with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the shrimp and avocado are thoroughly coated.—
Janelle Davis,
CNN,
7 Feb. 2023
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Brine shrimp are a critical food source for the aquaculture industry.—
Evan Bush,
NBC News,
21 Jan. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Insect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insect. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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