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 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 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 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

Oliva was being held on an additional bond of $3,650 on charges of possession of a firearm while having a domestic violence injunction, willful disregard of environmental regulations and nuisances injurious to health.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026
Macomb County, Michigan Spongy moths, formerly known as gypsy moths, are an invasive insect that can damage trees and create nuisances for residents, county officials said.

— Paula Wethington, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of nuisances

Noun

Trimming plants down to about six or eight inches can promote healthy growth in the spring and help prevent pests and diseases from infiltrating.

— Macie Stump, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2026
Direct ownership is highly illiquid and comes with management costs, property taxes, harvesting expenses, exposure to local timber markets, and risks including wildfire, pests, disease and trespassers hunting or cutting trees.

— Kevin Williams, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of pests

Noun

The third season sees Ranma and fiancée Akane have to deal with old annoyances, new dangers, and even more shenanigans.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026
People are exhausted by subscriptions, signing up for apps, logins, passwords, and other first-world annoyances that are now common in the search to watch a game on TV.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of annoyances

Browse Nearby Words

gadding (about)

gadflies

gadfly

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Style

“Gadflies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gadflies. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of gadflies

noun

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