Thesaurus results for INFEST

infest

verb

in-ˈfest

Definition of infest

as in to plague

to spread or swarm over in a troublesome manner in desperation, we called in an exterminator because the house was infested with ants

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 infest Luca explained that these patches had been infested by pine bark beetles, notorious evergreen-killers that feed on stressed or weakened conifers. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 If New World screwworm is identified in an animal in Colorado, state or federal officials will conduct an investigation to understand how the animal became infested. — Sarah Tomlinson, The Conversation, 24 July 2026 The canal that flows between Fort Lauderdale resident Harry Rozelle’s house and his church is so infested with bacteria that his teenage son, Cruz, was hospitalized after swimming in it three years ago. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026 Good property maintenance and natural and safe methods can get rid of chiggers and prevent them from infesting your space. — Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for infest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for infest

Verb

Poliński said Zosia would likely have been blamed for misfortunes such as disease and famine that often plagued the region in the 17th century, which people sometimes attributed to supernatural activity by the dead.

— Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Frightened that she may be plagued by the same mental illness that felled her mom, Gemma stubbornly refuses to believe anything is wrong.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of plague

Verb

Experts say West Nile virus symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, rash and fatigue, though most people who are infected have no symptoms.

— Katie Houlis, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Nearly 5,000 people have been infected by the disease in Congo, including 2,325 deaths, with Ituri accounting for nearly 90% of the cases.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of infect

Verb

The six-legged hopper, which, at each landing site, will crawl to material undisturbed by its rocket plume, also carries a drill to look for water ice.

— Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026
Trying to crawl her way towards a spot between her shoulder blades.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of crawl

Browse Nearby Words

infertility

infest

infested

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“Infest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infest. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of infest

verb

Example Sentences

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