1
as in plagues
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
Relevance
2
as in nuisances
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 headaches
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 pests
One of the biggest advantages of greenhouse growing is shielding your plants from pests and disease.
—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
During this time, Orkin focuses on preventive measures to make your home unappetizing for pests.
—Kate Tully Ellsworth, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Routine gutter cleaning prevents water damage to your roof and siding, protects your foundation from pooling water, avoids mold, mildew and rot, and keeps pests like insects and rodents from nesting in the debris.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
Its wood is so dense that pests can’t bore into it.
—Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
The pests have been a nuisance in the foothills for years.
—Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Industry reaction Chlorpyrifos is used to control different kinds of pests, like termites, mosquitoes and roundworms, among crops, according to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at Oregon State University.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Terri Maguire, maintenance manager with Van Slyke Landscape, also suggested being very careful with maintenance products and chemicals like fertilizers as well as traps and bait for what people consider pests.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Interplanting is also said to reduce pests and disease.
—Sarah Lyon, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2026
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
During this time, Orkin focuses on preventive measures to make your home unappetizing for pests.
—Kate Tully Ellsworth, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Routine gutter cleaning prevents water damage to your roof and siding, protects your foundation from pooling water, avoids mold, mildew and rot, and keeps pests like insects and rodents from nesting in the debris.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
Its wood is so dense that pests can’t bore into it.
—Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
The pests have been a nuisance in the foothills for years.
—Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Industry reaction Chlorpyrifos is used to control different kinds of pests, like termites, mosquitoes and roundworms, among crops, according to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at Oregon State University.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Terri Maguire, maintenance manager with Van Slyke Landscape, also suggested being very careful with maintenance products and chemicals like fertilizers as well as traps and bait for what people consider pests.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Interplanting is also said to reduce pests and disease.
—Sarah Lyon, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pests
Noun
-
Upon Pharaoh ignoring the command to free the Israelites, 10 plagues were unleashed by God on Egypt and its people.—
Jose R. Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The team treats patients against a backdrop of all-too-common American societal plagues, from substance use disorder to medical bankruptcies and mass shootings.—
Jeffrey Tully,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The end of the hibernation period in spring brings new bat movement, which means more nuisances for homes with roosts.—
Caden Perry,
jsonline.com,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The Florida law shields shooting ranges, specifically, from being sued as nuisances.—
Christopher Spata,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Treeline wants to rebuild corporate IT from the ground up, starting with the everyday headaches most workers barely notice until something breaks.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Authorities said Koc and Alshmari attacked the victim, causing a split lip and headaches.—
Madeline Bartos,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In order to make sure horses keep their cool among loud, unpredictable crowds, officers do desensitization training with speakers, sirens, inflatable tube men, kazoos, fireworks, flags and all manner of annoyances.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Shatner deftly presents Kirk's delicate handling of interstellar trader Cyrano Jones's multiplying annoyances with a gentle humor and relaxed resignation as to the absurdity of the situation aboard the Enterprise.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Odor is a botanical defense mechanism as much as thistles and thorns.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Get Tough Purchase ones made from cowhide, goatskin, or pigskin leather or abrasion-resistant canvas that will be harder for thorns to penetrate.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Fortunately, more and more brands are now formulating deodorants without common allergens and irritants.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
-
There certainly are harmful chemicals, carcinogens, toxins, heavy metals, respiratory irritants and other things inside of there that certainly can cause immediate harm.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Lack of communication from airlines during disruptions is a major complaint from customers across carriers, and anything companies can do to alleviate that will help with those frustrations.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The poll suggests the financial pressure of increasing gas prices in the wake of the US attack on Iran has added to Americans’ financial frustrations.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Wilcox sued Tarrant County GOP chair Tim Davis when she was removed from the ballot in the House District 98 primary because of problems with her paperwork.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
-
While some funding exists to address problems, state documents show, there is not enough money to cover all the drinking water projects that need attention in Indiana.—
Karl Schneider,
IndyStar,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pests. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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