GADFLIES Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

gadflies

noun

plural of gadfly

as in nuisances

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

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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 gadflies Renewable energy advocates treat activists like Gilbert as relentless gadflies who need to be stopped for the good of the planet. — Tony Schick, ProPublica, 14 Aug. 2025 In podcasting, for example, so many writers or social media gadflies publish the Best Of List as a recycled version of the Top Ten podcasts ranked by downloads. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 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 Doubling as an account of modern American conservatism (from media gadflies to six Supreme Court justices), the film is punctuated with contemporaneous footage that, viewed through the lens of Olin’s misdeeds, generates the tension and shock of a genre film. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gadflies

Noun

Besides being nuisances, many types carry diseases including West Nile virus, encephalitis, and canine heartworm.

— Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 18 June 2026
If the nuisances continue at Albany Care, the city is seeking a court order to shut the facility down, separate from the state action.

— Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026

Definition of nuisances

Noun

Having snakes around is actually beneficial to gardening—many snakes feed on garden pests such as slugs and snails, and others prey on rodents.

— Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 6 July 2026
Don’t mound mulch like a volcano or pile it against the trunk because this can introduce pests and diseases.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 July 2026

Definition of pests

Noun

Crying children are consistently ranked among travelers' top in-flight annoyances, which means the pressure on parents and guardians to keep little ones calm is at an all-time high at 30,000 feet.

— Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2026
From everyday disruptions to other inconveniences and (perhaps) annoyances, things pop up.

— Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 18 June 2026

Definition of annoyances

Browse Nearby Words

gadding (about)

gadflies

gadfly

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“Gadflies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gadflies. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of gadflies

noun

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