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
Sterile insect technique has been used for years to decrease and control pests.
—
Kori McNair,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Keeping bug spray handy can help protect against annoying bites, while placing citronella candles around your yard or patio can keep pests at bay, especially once the sun sets.
—
Bestreviews,
Mercury News,
29 June 2026
Some pests come into the country on livestock and tropical fruit; others hitch rides on shipping crates, wooden pallets, foreign travellers and their pets.
—
Burkhard Bilger,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
Asked how the plants made it to Costco with pests and out on the sales floor, Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner Chris Flores said the shipments did not have inspection notices upon their arrival at the stores.
—
Lizzie Kane,
Sacbee.com,
29 June 2026
Spray along baseboards and across thresholds to kill and repel insect pests.
—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
28 June 2026
Another natural trick is using tea leaves to nurture plants and deter unwanted pests, among other benefits.
—
Emily Hayes,
Martha Stewart,
28 June 2026
In addition to its ability to regulate moisture, hempcrete is resistant to pests and fire.
—
Amy Gunia,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
Once pests are removed, there may be more necessary patching to prevent water seepage.
—
Helen Andriatsitohaina,
The Spruce,
24 June 2026
Kori McNair,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Keeping bug spray handy can help protect against annoying bites, while placing citronella candles around your yard or patio can keep pests at bay, especially once the sun sets.
—
Bestreviews,
Mercury News,
29 June 2026
Some pests come into the country on livestock and tropical fruit; others hitch rides on shipping crates, wooden pallets, foreign travellers and their pets.
—
Burkhard Bilger,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
Asked how the plants made it to Costco with pests and out on the sales floor, Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner Chris Flores said the shipments did not have inspection notices upon their arrival at the stores.
—
Lizzie Kane,
Sacbee.com,
29 June 2026
Spray along baseboards and across thresholds to kill and repel insect pests.
—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
28 June 2026
Another natural trick is using tea leaves to nurture plants and deter unwanted pests, among other benefits.
—
Emily Hayes,
Martha Stewart,
28 June 2026
In addition to its ability to regulate moisture, hempcrete is resistant to pests and fire.
—
Amy Gunia,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
Once pests are removed, there may be more necessary patching to prevent water seepage.
—
Helen Andriatsitohaina,
The Spruce,
24 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pests
Noun
-
The nets, for the most part, stay out consistently, says Roos, though they are checked regularly, every few days, which prevents not only the algae problem that plagues farmed fish, but also fishermen, as well.
-
Previously, older strains appeared to lack the genetic traits that enabled them to spread, leading scientists to think that early plagues were unlikely to trigger outbreaks.
Noun
-
Besides being nuisances, many types carry diseases including West Nile virus, encephalitis, and canine heartworm.
-
If the nuisances continue at Albany Care, the city is seeking a court order to shut the facility down, separate from the state action.
Noun
-
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.
-
Americans who have health insurance say prior authorization is the healthcare system’s biggest burden, causing administrative headaches while care is kept out of reach.
Noun
-
Crying children are consistently ranked among travelers' top in-flight annoyances, which means the pressure on parents and guardians to keep little ones calm is at an all-time high at 30,000 feet.
-
From everyday disruptions to other inconveniences and (perhaps) annoyances, things pop up.
Noun
-
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.
-
The match was set, and now Rhodes will defend the title against the two thorns in his side since before Clash in Italy.
Noun
-
Exposure to other irritants, such as dust, chemicals and pollution, can also cause it.
-
And for little ones with whose cheeks might be chafed due to diaper rash, the Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste helps seal out wetness and irritants to protect skin.
Noun
-
Those frustrations could be on the verge of boiling over.
-
South Africa has a history of xenophobic violence as migrants from poor nations like Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi generally end up settling in impoverished communities in South Africa where unemployment and frustrations are high.
Noun
-
Pyrotechnics set off at home are even more likely to trigger cardiovascular problems, the American Lung Assn.
-
Some people have to remove bird feeders during the summer because of problems with bears, raccoons, and other wild animals.
Cite this Entry
“Pests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pests. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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