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
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Recent Examples of pests
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
Light citronella candles to help mask the smells that attract pests.
—
Sharon Wu,
USA Today,
4 July 2026
But fruit trees also require annual pruning and are susceptible to pests, such as apple maggots and codling moths.
—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
4 July 2026
Unfortunately, the diet of these beneficials is not limited to the pests in our ‘bad’ column but includes butterflies, bees and spiders.
—
Rita Perwich,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 July 2026
Old Coffee Coffee grounds are sometimes spread around gardens or mixed into the soil to enrich it and deter slugs, snails, and other pests.
—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 July 2026
Sterile insect technique has been used for years to decrease and control pests.
—
Kori McNair,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Asked how the plants made it to Costco with pests and out on the sales floor, Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner Chris Flores said the shipments did not have inspection notices upon their arrival at the stores.
—
Lizzie Kane,
Sacbee.com,
29 June 2026
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
Light citronella candles to help mask the smells that attract pests.
—
Sharon Wu,
USA Today,
4 July 2026
But fruit trees also require annual pruning and are susceptible to pests, such as apple maggots and codling moths.
—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
4 July 2026
Unfortunately, the diet of these beneficials is not limited to the pests in our ‘bad’ column but includes butterflies, bees and spiders.
—
Rita Perwich,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 July 2026
Old Coffee Coffee grounds are sometimes spread around gardens or mixed into the soil to enrich it and deter slugs, snails, and other pests.
—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 July 2026
Sterile insect technique has been used for years to decrease and control pests.
—
Kori McNair,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Asked how the plants made it to Costco with pests and out on the sales floor, Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner Chris Flores said the shipments did not have inspection notices upon their arrival at the stores.
—
Lizzie Kane,
Sacbee.com,
29 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pests
Noun
-
The nets, for the most part, stay out consistently, says Roos, though they are checked regularly, every few days, which prevents not only the algae problem that plagues farmed fish, but also fishermen, as well.
-
Previously, older strains appeared to lack the genetic traits that enabled them to spread, leading scientists to think that early plagues were unlikely to trigger outbreaks.
Noun
-
Besides being nuisances, many types carry diseases including West Nile virus, encephalitis, and canine heartworm.
-
If the nuisances continue at Albany Care, the city is seeking a court order to shut the facility down, separate from the state action.
Noun
-
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome causes fatigue, fever, muscle aches, abdominal problems, headaches, chills and dizziness in the early stages, and late symptoms include chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath and lungs filling with fluid.
-
Americans who have health insurance say prior authorization is the healthcare system’s biggest burden, causing administrative headaches while care is kept out of reach.
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.
-
From everyday disruptions to other inconveniences and (perhaps) annoyances, things pop up.
Noun
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An individual bush can grow up to 15 feet high and 40 feet long, with thick stems, also known as canes, marked by sharp, hooked thorns.
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The match was set, and now Rhodes will defend the title against the two thorns in his side since before Clash in Italy.
Noun
-
Exposure to other irritants, such as dust, chemicals and pollution, can also cause it.
-
And for little ones with whose cheeks might be chafed due to diaper rash, the Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste helps seal out wetness and irritants to protect skin.
Noun
-
Rewarding The Long-Term Customer One of the most common frustrations in telecom is the belief that new customers get the best deals while long-term customers are left behind.
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Recent allegations of irregularities in government recruitment exams have only deepened frustrations among some young Indians.
Noun
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Pyrotechnics set off at home are even more likely to trigger cardiovascular problems, the American Lung Assn.
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Some people have to remove bird feeders during the summer because of problems with bears, raccoons, and other wild animals.
Cite this Entry
“Pests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pests. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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