as in plague
a widespread disease resulting in a high rate of death
the fear that terrorists could unleash a pestilence that would wreak unspeakable havoc
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 pestilence
Famines, pestilence, crusades, and war.
—
Greg Grandin
september 23, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025
Judith is the recipient of the pestilence, Agnes stays by her side, Dad is M.I.A.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
In recent years, the censorship and false narratives of woke cancel culture have transformed our great universities into greenhouses for this deadly and virulent pestilence.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Being omnivorous, with a very long and efficient gut, humans coped better than other mammals in the face of pestilence and drought, the better to ensure our survival.
—John Mariani, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pestilence
Greg Grandin
september 23, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025
Judith is the recipient of the pestilence, Agnes stays by her side, Dad is M.I.A.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
In recent years, the censorship and false narratives of woke cancel culture have transformed our great universities into greenhouses for this deadly and virulent pestilence.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Being omnivorous, with a very long and efficient gut, humans coped better than other mammals in the face of pestilence and drought, the better to ensure our survival.
—John Mariani, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pestilence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pestilence
plague
Noun
-
Its buttery texture melts onto the lips, bypassing the drag and pull that plagues drier drugstore pencils.—
Micaela English,
Glamour,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The grain and food exports make $3 billion annually, according to 9 News, with experts warning that this latest plague could threaten Australia's output to neighboring countries.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pestilence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pestilence. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
