PEST Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

pest

noun

ˈpest

Definition of pest

as in plague

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

as in nuisance

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

as in headache

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 pest Plant Armor tackles some of these challenges, starting with the pests. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026 Relocate Leaf Litter and Wood Piles Leaf litter, wood piles, and other yard debris offer shelter not only to pests but also to beneficial insects and wildlife. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 16 Oct. 2026 For properties other than single-family homes and duplexes, the statute addresses reasonable provisions for clean and safe common areas along with services such as garbage removal and extermination of certain pests. — Emma Clapp, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026 These areas have seen success with organic cultivation thanks to favorable soil conditions, low pesticide history and manageable pest pressure. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pest

Noun

Two-inch straps tipped with zinc alloy hooks lock the cover down and cut back on the constant readjusting that plagues cheaper slipcovers.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
The biggest problem with the plague was that no one knew when it would be fully curbed.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of plague

Noun

The Serbian leader had long been seen as an unpredictable annoyance, and his balancing act wasn’t particularly subtle.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
This, Barbera said, can be a programming annoyance as well as a knock on an otherwise good film.

— Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of annoyance

Noun

Their similarities end there with Divya becoming a thorn in Isla’s plans all season.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026
In the initial draft that didn't make it into the final episode, Greg touched on how STAGFLATION was a central thorn in the side of this concept.

— Cooper Katz McKim, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of thorn

Noun

Health officials said the chemical was mostly an irritant so far, causing watery eyes, and that tests were ongoing to determine how much toxicity was in the air.

— John Seewer, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Glycidyl methacrylate is an irritant that can cause burning of the eyes, nose, mouth and skin, according to the city of Toledo.

— Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of irritant

Noun

Burks said much of the frustration is connected to top leaders who provide insufficient training.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Clinton's lack of a majority and list of frustrations in his first term set the stage for a bruising first midterm election in 1994.

— Ron Elving, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of frustration

Browse Nearby Words

pessimists

pest

pester

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Pest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pest. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pest

noun

Example Sentences

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