as in annoying
causing annoyance
the pesky problem of what to do with all the leftovers
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 pesky
Shuter is not bothered by such pesky details.
—
Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 12 May 2026
There were also objections from bigger carriers such as United, which had an urgent financial interest in seeing the back of a pesky cheap competitor.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
Spring mosquito season has opened strong for the pesky insects — but not so great for California residents wary of West Nile virus.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026
This rechargeable mosquito repeller is a bug spray alternative that banishes those pesky pests within a 20-foot radius.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pesky
Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 12 May 2026
There were also objections from bigger carriers such as United, which had an urgent financial interest in seeing the back of a pesky cheap competitor.
—John Cassidy, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
Spring mosquito season has opened strong for the pesky insects — but not so great for California residents wary of West Nile virus.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026
This rechargeable mosquito repeller is a bug spray alternative that banishes those pesky pests within a 20-foot radius.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pesky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pesky
Adjective
-
Sixty-three percent of Glamour readers polled think lurking is annoying and also kind of creepy.—
Sam Reed,
Glamour,
18 May 2026
-
For instance, many partners have small gripes or annoyances with habits that are annoying at worst, but far from an outright red flag — like a partner that chews somewhat loudly, leaves cabinet doors open or hums constantly while working.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
Few things are more frustrating than a disruptive night’s sleep.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
-
This scenario deprives producers, sales agents, and distributors of global monetization opportunities across all types of films, while frustrating audiences who discover these titles but can’t watch them.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
Driver recovery can automate what used to be an irritating manual process.—
Andrew Cunningham,
ArsTechnica,
13 May 2026
-
No-see-um bites may be painful and irritating.—
Eva Flowe
May 8,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pesky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pesky. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
