insecticide

noun

Definition of insecticidenext
as in pesticide

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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 insecticide Apply a minor nutrient spray and insecticide to citrus at each flush of new growth. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026 Last month, Alameda County stepped up mosquito abatement by spraying insecticide in Newark after five birds tested positive for West Nile virus there. — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 29 July 2026 Check the package directions for how to use each insecticide correctly. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 27 July 2026 It’s not typically recommended as an insecticide for vegetable gardens. — Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for insecticide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insecticide
  1. pesticide
  2. herbicide
  3. fungicide
  4. toxicant
Noun
  • Some areas and cities, including New York, spray pesticides to try to prevent the spread of the virus.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Previously, the state Department of Agriculture interpreted that to mean that outdoor growing was prohibited, citing concerns over security and agricultural pesticides drifting into marijuana crops.
    — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of pesticide
Noun
  • Messinger notes that using an herbicide specifically labeled for Bermuda grass can be an effective control method.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026
  • But sedges can be eliminated from Florida lawns with herbicides available at garden centers.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of herbicide
Noun
  • Select a fungicide labeled for leaf spots on ornamentals and follow the label.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Neem oil, copper fungicide, or soil amendments are safer and more effective alternatives for common houseplant problems.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of fungicide
Noun
  • Researchers found that 40% of the 97 participants had higher concentrations of a toxicant associated with the defunct LCP Chemicals plant than the national average.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • The ash from open burning can also contaminate soil and groundwater with persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals and other toxicants, creating more chances for people to be exposed to them through food and water.
    — Ellen M. Considine, The Conversation, 2 June 2026
Definition of toxicant

Browse Nearby Words

insect
insecticide
insecticides
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Cite this Entry

“Insecticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insecticide. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on insecticide

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about insecticide

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