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
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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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of pests
Caterpillars are common cool season pests; control by handpicking or natural sprays.
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Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Dec. 2024
Use a mild soapy solution to wash indoor foliage to remove dust and control pests.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Dec. 2024
To fight pests, a technique called mRNA interference allows bioengineers to create a precision poison for a particularly troublesome beetle.
—Andrew Rosenblum, Popular Science, 26 Dec. 2024
Watch for Pests Indoor plants are less likely to attract pests than plants in the garden, but pests can still occasionally find their way inside and wreak havoc on indoor plants.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2024
Leaving a gap will help prevent rot and keep pests away from the trunk.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2024
Don’t use soil from the garden, which won’t drain well enough and can harbor pests or pathogens that will be difficult to eradicate.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024
Hard freezes, ice, and snow will damage or break canes, making plants more susceptible to pests and disease.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024
Higher temperatures have led to warmer winters and longer growing seasons, which contribute to the prevalence of pests and disease that damage the trees usually decorated for Christmas.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2024
Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Dec. 2024
Use a mild soapy solution to wash indoor foliage to remove dust and control pests.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Dec. 2024
To fight pests, a technique called mRNA interference allows bioengineers to create a precision poison for a particularly troublesome beetle.
—Andrew Rosenblum, Popular Science, 26 Dec. 2024
Watch for Pests Indoor plants are less likely to attract pests than plants in the garden, but pests can still occasionally find their way inside and wreak havoc on indoor plants.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2024
Leaving a gap will help prevent rot and keep pests away from the trunk.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2024
Don’t use soil from the garden, which won’t drain well enough and can harbor pests or pathogens that will be difficult to eradicate.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024
Hard freezes, ice, and snow will damage or break canes, making plants more susceptible to pests and disease.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2024
Higher temperatures have led to warmer winters and longer growing seasons, which contribute to the prevalence of pests and disease that damage the trees usually decorated for Christmas.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pests
Noun
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Unfortunately, a year after the rollout of DSO, Bayer’s headaches remain.Chris Westfall, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
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Common symptoms include cough, headaches, sneezing, runny nose, and congestion.Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The Hightail also has drastically reduced maintenance needs, which remove frequent annoyances like engine rebuilds, oil changes, and air filter replacements.New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Dec. 2024
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Much of the testimony, as is typical when corporate figures are summoned before Congress to discuss the public’s annoyances with their industries, was slippery.Melvin Backman, Quartz, 4 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Avoid direct contact with chemicals and any other irritants.Carrie Madormo, RN, Health, 24 Dec. 2024
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Protection From Environmental Factors Protect your hands from environmental irritants by wearing good-quality gloves or mittens in cold, dry weather.Carrie Madormo, RN, Health, 24 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Kim, the Korean American artist, who is deaf, shared in an email that the billboard reflected personal frustrations.Travis Diehl, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
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There have been frustrations with how things have panned out on the court, and the body language of the group was concerning in a loss in Detroit on Saturday.Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near pests
Cite this Entry
“Pests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pests. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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