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 The same process occurs in the radish’s spicier cousins, and the resulting chemicals are thought to help deter herbivores and pests. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026 One of the world’s largest paper and packaging producers has warned investors that climate stress, drought, pests and biodiversity loss threaten the healthy forests on which its virgin fiber supply depends. — Kari Stoever, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026 Most garden pests damage foliage (like aphids) or eat the produce (like deer). — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 26 Aug. 2026 Prep for seasonal pests As the temperatures drop, pests make their way indoors. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pest

Noun

But on an ordinary mission, Hawks discovers a bizarre magic plague, a secret plan hatched by the Separatist army, and a contract with Republic intelligence to take on jobs the army can’t do.

— Hayes Madsen, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Most people go to campgrounds to escape the plagues of modern technology, so try to keep the decibels to a minimum.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of plague

Noun

Earlier in August, A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to contribute $567 million to an abatement fund as part of a public nuisance case centering on child-safety allegations.

— Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
In March, a New Mexico jury and judge fined Meta over $900 million after the state’s attorney general argued that its platforms created a public nuisance.

— Steve Kopack, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of nuisance

Noun

But administrative burdens are a technology of annoyance, degradation, discrimination, and needless extraction.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
That information sticks together, and companies use it to build a profile of you for marketing, selling, and general annoyance.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of annoyance

Noun

Acceptance moves you out of frustration and into a place of proactivity.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Troops in this area have sustained heavy casualties in battles with the regional Islamic State affiliate, and analysts and security sources say frustration with the government is mounting within frontline units.

— Reuters, NBC news, 29 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pest

noun

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