GADFLY Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

gadfly

noun

ˈgad-ˌflī

Definition of gadfly

as in nuisance

one who is obnoxiously annoying the journalist was known as a gadfly for exposing hypocrisy in politics

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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 gadfly Their false claims about getting financially fleeced by Uncle Sam were fueled by a rather sophisticated, albeit deceitful and shameful lobbying campaign, sponsored by greedy gadflies out to make a quick buck. — Tom Margenau, Dallas Morning News, 1 Feb. 2026 Among those present at the annual David Horowitz Freedom Center retreat in 2017 was a young Candace Owens, then striving to make her mark as a black conservative gadfly on social media. — Andrew Cockburn, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 As horse and rider approached the Olympian gates, Zeus sent a gadfly to sting Pegasus, who bolted and threw his rider. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 16 Nov. 2025 The truth teller/journalist/gadfly/detective set out to uncover the truth about the death of a member of a powerful Tulsa political family but must acknowledge how much harm his investigation has caused. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gadfly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gadfly

Noun

Therefore, the state-level attorney general might opt to bring a legal charge of public nuisance against an AI maker and their AI.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Golden State’s stellar defense has quickly developed a reputation for being a nuisance against top guards in particular.

— Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of nuisance

Noun

How to Use Essential Oils to Repel Flies Always dilute essential oils before using them for pest control.

— Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 21 Aug. 2026
Although the number of patients coming to the clinics has decreased over time, Mangia said, there is still concern about other issues tied to the warehouse site, such as the pests.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of pest

Noun

Kahoot Appears Inside ChatGPT Kahoot’s new ChatGPT app may solve a small but persistent classroom annoyance for many educators who have to copy and paste content across the apps.

— Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
But that does nothing to ease the annoyance of this latest loss and this current context.

— Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of annoyance

Browse Nearby Words

gadflies

gadfly

gadget

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“Gadfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gadfly. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of gadfly

noun

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