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
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 pests
Use these tips to further avoid spreading harmful pests.
—
Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025
Tips for Stopping Invasive Pests Awareness is a big part of keeping invasive pests at bay.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025
To avoid inadvertently sending hidden pests, don’t mail plants or produce to out-of-state friends or family without clearing it first with your local agricultural office.
—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
These nasturtium companion plants benefit from the flower's ability to repel pests and attract pollinators.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025
Even better, nasturtiums are known to deter squash bugs, which are one of the most destructive squash and pumpkin pests.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025
These two plants deter different pests and their sunny yellow and orange flowers complement each other’s look.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025
Tough, undemanding, and rarely bothered by pests, a cheery patch of daffodils can last for generations.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025
Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025
Tips for Stopping Invasive Pests Awareness is a big part of keeping invasive pests at bay.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025
To avoid inadvertently sending hidden pests, don’t mail plants or produce to out-of-state friends or family without clearing it first with your local agricultural office.
—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
These nasturtium companion plants benefit from the flower's ability to repel pests and attract pollinators.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025
Even better, nasturtiums are known to deter squash bugs, which are one of the most destructive squash and pumpkin pests.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025
These two plants deter different pests and their sunny yellow and orange flowers complement each other’s look.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 2025
Tough, undemanding, and rarely bothered by pests, a cheery patch of daffodils can last for generations.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pests
Noun
-
Strap mounts are particularly infamous for causing users headaches when trying to remove phones.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The tariffs aren’t only causing headaches for car dealerships.—
Pat Maio,
Oc Register,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Those programs, despite their occasional annoyances, were directionally correct.—
Kara Swisher,
The Atlantic,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Like all married couples, George and Kathryn have their things, those little daily annoyances, the occasional doubt about what the other may be thinking, or doing, in their private hours.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
TIME,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The Voice of America and its later branches are designed to be irritants to undemocratic regimes.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
24 Mar. 2025
-
Both men were irritants to Erdogan and could stir up trouble, but neither was a real threat to Erdogan’s power.—
Ahmet T. Kuru,
The Conversation,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Shulman suggested a similar pattern could unfold in China, but with frustrations centered on the tariffs.—
Miranda Nazzaro,
The Hill,
13 Apr. 2025
-
The same frustrations that haunted him at the end of last season have reappeared in ugly ways.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pests. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share