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
The Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab and Education in Loves Park set up a display table featuring specimens and educational information about how birds control pests such as rodents and insects.
—
Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Major citations were issued in 33 instances in which rodents or other pests were detected where food was stored, prepared or served.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Common Pests and Diseases Broccoli plants can be damaged by common insect pests, like caterpillars, aphids, flea beetles, and harlequin bugs, says Minter.
—Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026
Make sure to include at least some of these five zucchini companion plants that naturally keep pests and weeds away.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026
These experts know where to look and what treatments to use on pests currently causing mayhem in and around your home.
—Ana Durrani, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Use these tips to further avoid spreading harmful pests.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025
According to the university, the USDA funding supports 4-H, a social and educational youth program; training to help farmers manage pests; and research to ensure the sustainability of Maine’s lobster industry, among other programs.
—Reuters, NBC News, 12 Mar. 2025
Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Major citations were issued in 33 instances in which rodents or other pests were detected where food was stored, prepared or served.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Common Pests and Diseases Broccoli plants can be damaged by common insect pests, like caterpillars, aphids, flea beetles, and harlequin bugs, says Minter.
—Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026
Make sure to include at least some of these five zucchini companion plants that naturally keep pests and weeds away.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026
These experts know where to look and what treatments to use on pests currently causing mayhem in and around your home.
—Ana Durrani, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Use these tips to further avoid spreading harmful pests.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025
According to the university, the USDA funding supports 4-H, a social and educational youth program; training to help farmers manage pests; and research to ensure the sustainability of Maine’s lobster industry, among other programs.
—Reuters, NBC News, 12 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pests
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
Noun
-
If data centers eventually are included, for example, neighbors could take a hit due to impacts on electricity costs, water access, industrial noise and other nuisances that can come into play when a megaproject moves in next door.—
David Greising,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Not all ants are bad for the garden—some help with soil health and pest control—but fire ants and carpenter ants can be serious nuisances or hazards.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The real story behind one of Texas’ biggest wildlife headaches starts with a decision the state made on purpose.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Some journalists draw a line between the government's mounting headaches and its escalating attacks on the messengers of that news.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Despite the annoyances, the smile is genuine.—
Maxwell Adler,
Vanity Fair,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Her examples highlight how a small, inexpensive tool — or in this case, a repurposed one — can solve minor annoyances throughout daily life.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Also known as seaberry, Fried says this plant is notable for its resistance to deer because of its sharp thorns and tree-like height.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Use clean pruners to trim away shoots, thorns, or roots along the soil and to help maintain the tree’s size.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
An open window, your shoes, or even your clothing could bring in pollen or other outdoor irritants.—
Angie Hicks,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Many older people suffer from symptoms that resemble pollen allergies—runny nose and congestion—but the majority of these seniors are actually bothered by other airborne irritants, such as cigarette smoke, perfumes or cleaning products.—
Matt Fuchs,
Scientific American,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Patriots are also expected to trade for AJ Brown, a wide receiver known as much for his sideline frustrations and off-field antics as his production.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
-
After spending more than two million dollars on VIP jet charter services, his frustrations with the industry reached a boiling point.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Orlando’s defense caused problems early for Detroit when the Magic forced seven turnovers in the opening four minutes and jumped out to a 19-7 lead.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
In severe pain, Connecticut resident Tenaya Taylor sought treatment for dental problems a few years ago.—
Kaitlin McCallum,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pests. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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