pests

noun

plural of pest
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 Plus, this will make your lawn more susceptible to pests and diseases. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2026 There is no harm in leaving some dead plants in the garden if they are not contaminated by pests and diseases and won’t reseed. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 8 Aug. 2026 The result will be a multi-trunk tree with weak branches growing from a rotting stump that can attract pests like termites and carpenter ants. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pests
  1. plagues
  2. nuisances
  3. headaches
  4. annoyances
  5. thorns
  6. irritants
  7. frustrations
  8. problems
Noun
  • The deadliest animal to have ever roamed the earth is not the great white shark, or snakes, or even rats that caused three great plagues in history, decimating the human population at the time.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 July 2026
  • How many malodorously toxic episodes does that make toward the seven plagues in the Old Testament?
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of plagues
Noun
  • The Kansas City City Council approved a trio of ordinances on Thursday aimed at vacant properties that become nuisances and staving off demolition of historic buildings.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Germans often overreact to animal nuisances with complicated schemes.
    — Ben Crair, New Yorker, 31 July 2026
Definition of nuisances
Noun
  • Common symptoms include fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, rash, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC.
    — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Others get quiet, clingy or suddenly complain of stomachaches and headaches.
    — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of headaches
Noun
  • Its innovation strategy starts with recurring consumer annoyances.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • These annoyances just barely prevent Hinge from dethroning our Editors' Choice winners for dating apps, Match and Tinder.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026
Definition of annoyances
Noun
  • In many species, the pronotum extends over the body to form elaborate shapes that resemble thorns, buds, or other plant structures, providing excellent camouflage.
    — Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026
  • These networks used to buffer against isolation and economic displacement—the thorns of modern life that make partnership more valuable yet love more difficult to find.
    — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of thorns
Noun
  • Sharks are known to rub against reefs, sand, rocks and even the seafloor to remove irritants.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • The signature blend of ceramides works to strengthen and support the skin’s natural barrier, which helps lock in moisture while defending against environmental irritants like pollutants and allergens.
    — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 23 July 2026
Definition of irritants
Noun
  • Many were quick to express their frustrations over the outage on social media.
    — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Some version of both, with all the frustrations and unknowns that come along.
    — Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of frustrations
Noun
  • For drivers, don’t forget the experts that contextualize the inevitable problems on your route.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Pulling dead plants that carry pests or diseases—which, unfortunately, applies to many crops—is key to preventing future problems.
    — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of problems

Browse Nearby Words

pestled
pests
pesty
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Cite this Entry

“Pests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pests. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of pests for Spanish Speakers

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