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
Remove pesky salt stains from clothing, footwear, flooring, and your vehicle after winter ends.
—
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2025
Florida battled the pesky Cougars all night, coming back in the second half to win it all.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
These pesky rodents are taking over Britain’s second-biggest city after garbage collectors unhappy with their pay went on strike weeks ago.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
Robertson wants to overcome his smallish frame and be a pest and create offence from that pesky energy.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pesky
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2025
Florida battled the pesky Cougars all night, coming back in the second half to win it all.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
These pesky rodents are taking over Britain’s second-biggest city after garbage collectors unhappy with their pay went on strike weeks ago.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
Robertson wants to overcome his smallish frame and be a pest and create offence from that pesky energy.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pesky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pesky
Adjective
-
Increasing one’s protein intake requires an annoying amount of foresight, a willingness to experience short-term displeasure, or both.—
Hannah Goldfield,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2025
-
This eye-rolling, annual chore is annoying, obviously, but also tied to the functioning of government.—
Made by History,
Time,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Timing Gaps: Traditional file transfers typically operate on rigid schedules—often daily or even weekly—creating frustrating delays between participant actions and results.—
Charlie Gautreaux,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
As for Arsenal, the Gunners endured a frustrating domestic campaign despite having made it through to the semifinals of the Champions League, while Manchester City has suffered an unlikely drop in form after winning four straight Premier League titles between 2021 and 2024.—
Jamie Barton,
CNN Money,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In place of intense (and potentially irritating) acids, Mediheal's Madecassoside Blemish Pads target breakouts and breakout-causing bacteria with anti-inflammatory powerhouses madecassoside and cica.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
25 Apr. 2025
-
As the protagonist/antihero, audiences meet everyone through his eyes (and imperious narration) — and in his view, most people are shallow and irritating, especially the residents of Madre Linda.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pesky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pesky. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share