PESTER Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'pester' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pester are annoy , harass , harry , plague , tease , and worry . While all these words mean "to disturb or irritate by persistent acts," pester stresses the repetition of petty attacks. // constantly pestered with trivial complaints

Q: When could 'annoy' be used to replace 'pester'?

The words annoy and pester can be used in similar contexts, but annoy implies disturbing one's composure or peace of mind by intrusion, interference, or petty attacks. // you're doing that just to annoy me

Q: When can 'harass' be used instead of 'pester'?

In some situations, the words harass and pester are roughly equivalent. However, harass implies petty persecutions or burdensome demands that exhaust one's nervous or mental power. // harassed on all sides by creditors

Q: When would 'harry' be a good substitute for 'pester'?

Although the words harry and pester have much in common, harry may imply heavy oppression or maltreatment. // the strikers had been harried by thugs

Q: In what contexts can 'plague' take the place of 'pester'?

The words plague and pester are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, plague implies a painful and persistent affliction. // plagued all her life by poverty

Q: When might 'tease' be a better fit than 'pester'?

While in some cases nearly identical to pester , tease suggests an attempt to break down one's resistance or rouse to wrath. // children teased the dog

Q: When is 'worry' a more appropriate choice than 'pester'?

The meanings of worry and pester largely overlap; however, worry implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation. // pursued a policy of worrying the enemy

pester

verb

ˈpe-stər

Definition of pester

as in to bother

to thrust oneself upon (another) without invitation one resident pestered the condo board about every little thing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb pester contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pester are annoy, harass, harry, plague, tease, and worry. While all these words mean "to disturb or irritate by persistent acts," pester stresses the repetition of petty attacks.

constantly pestered with trivial complaints

When could annoy be used to replace pester?

The words annoy and pester can be used in similar contexts, but annoy implies disturbing one's composure or peace of mind by intrusion, interference, or petty attacks.

you're doing that just to annoy me

When can harass be used instead of pester?

In some situations, the words harass and pester are roughly equivalent. However, harass implies petty persecutions or burdensome demands that exhaust one's nervous or mental power.

harassed on all sides by creditors

When would harry be a good substitute for pester?

Although the words harry and pester have much in common, harry may imply heavy oppression or maltreatment.

the strikers had been harried by thugs

In what contexts can plague take the place of pester?

The words plague and pester are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, plague implies a painful and persistent affliction.

plagued all her life by poverty

When might tease be a better fit than pester?

While in some cases nearly identical to pester, tease suggests an attempt to break down one's resistance or rouse to wrath.

children teased the dog

When is worry a more appropriate choice than pester?

The meanings of worry and pester largely overlap; however, worry implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation.

pursued a policy of worrying the enemy

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 pester Reese pestered Cardoso at the top of the key and tapped rebounds up and out of her reach on the offensive boards. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026 Bonner brought the bull market with him to CSUF, bringing his pressing, pestering and passionate style of play to a fanbase starved for success. — Brian Robin, Oc Register, 8 June 2026 Kids and teens have always pestered their parents to buy them things. — Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 7 June 2026 The character, Günter Van Ellis (Ivan Sherry), is seen pestering Oh Father (Daveed Diggs) and Homelander at the White House. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pester

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pester

bother

Verb

Say what’s bothering you before resentment takes over the conversation.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026
Rafter, bothered by a right shoulder injury, retires after Cedric Pioline breaks his serve in the opening game of the fifth set.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of bother

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pest

pester

pestered

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“Pester.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pester. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pester

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