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
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Recent Examples of pest
Both are stealthy predators and play an important role in controlling pest populations.
—
Rita Perwich,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 July 2026
Old potting soil may not only potentially harbor pests and diseases that will impact the health of your plants, but soil from previous seasons can become a bit degraded and drain too fast or too slowly for your plant's needs.
—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 July 2026
It can be caused by pests, high temperatures, and mineral deficiencies or excess.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
3 July 2026
Using chemical-laden sprays and repellents isn't always a desirable way to deal with these insect pests, and the use of chemical pesticides can cause harm to wildlife and kill beneficial pollinators.
—
The Spruce,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
Rita Perwich,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 July 2026
Old potting soil may not only potentially harbor pests and diseases that will impact the health of your plants, but soil from previous seasons can become a bit degraded and drain too fast or too slowly for your plant's needs.
—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 July 2026
It can be caused by pests, high temperatures, and mineral deficiencies or excess.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
3 July 2026
Using chemical-laden sprays and repellents isn't always a desirable way to deal with these insect pests, and the use of chemical pesticides can cause harm to wildlife and kill beneficial pollinators.
—
The Spruce,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for pest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pest
Noun
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That aspiration has become increasingly elusive to many Americans over the last decade as home prices remain near record highs and supply shortages plague much of the country.
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She’s now caught in the middle of a deadly magical plague and high-stakes political drama.
Noun
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And to add insult to social and cultural injury, the new policies also present a logistical nuisance.
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In New York, night clubs were sometimes regarded as a civic nuisance; one obstacle was the city’s cabaret law, from 1926, which required bars to obtain a special permit if patrons were dancing and was not fully repealed until 2017.
Noun
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Intense exercise on a sizzling day can lead to extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping and dehydration, all symptoms of exertional heat illness.
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Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome causes fatigue, fever, muscle aches, abdominal problems, headaches, chills and dizziness in the early stages, and late symptoms include chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath and lungs filling with fluid.
Noun
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Friedland describes the ritual with the mixture of reverence and annoyance that marks many of his best observations.
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Game changer, annoyance, or something in between?
Noun
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Yamal was a thorn in Saudi Arabia’s side, drifting infield to unleash shots from distance but also peppering the penalty area with wicked deliveries from the right flank.
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An individual bush can grow up to 15 feet high and 40 feet long, with thick stems, also known as canes, marked by sharp, hooked thorns.
Noun
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Kaplan's research team put a rash-inducing irritant on the ears of mice.
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Exposure to other irritants, such as dust, chemicals and pollution, can also cause it.
Noun
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This would let traffic flow, which is so necessary for the vitality and economy of Chicago; provide a safer route for bikers; and ease the frustration of all of those on the streets of Chicago.
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Spence also appears to be absorbing the blame for broader failures, with Thomas Tuchel’s touchline frustrations obvious and — for a player still establishing himself at this level — that scrutiny is unlikely to help.
Cite this Entry
“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pest. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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