pestilences

Definition of pestilencesnext
plural of pestilence
as in plagues
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
See the Dictionary Definition 

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pestilences
plagues
Noun
  • Another kind of typhus, carried by lice and caused by the bacteria Rickettsia prowazekii, produced historic plagues that devastated populations during times of war, famine and poverty, the National Institutes for Health said.
    Don Sweeney April 8, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Most references to the Arbat in the ancient chronicles are connected to fires, amid mention of invasions and plagues and noble births.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pestilences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pestilences. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on pestilences

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster