GADFLY Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

gadfly

noun

ˈgad-ˌflī

Definition of gadfly

as in nuisance

one who is obnoxiously annoying the journalist was known as a gadfly for exposing hypocrisy in politics

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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 gadfly Their false claims about getting financially fleeced by Uncle Sam were fueled by a rather sophisticated, albeit deceitful and shameful lobbying campaign, sponsored by greedy gadflies out to make a quick buck. — Tom Margenau, Dallas Morning News, 1 Feb. 2026 Among those present at the annual David Horowitz Freedom Center retreat in 2017 was a young Candace Owens, then striving to make her mark as a black conservative gadfly on social media. — Andrew Cockburn, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 As horse and rider approached the Olympian gates, Zeus sent a gadfly to sting Pegasus, who bolted and threw his rider. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 16 Nov. 2025 The truth teller/journalist/gadfly/detective set out to uncover the truth about the death of a member of a powerful Tulsa political family but must acknowledge how much harm his investigation has caused. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gadfly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gadfly

Noun

For homeowners who have spent decades building equity, failing windows are more than a nuisance.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
Legal experts on the other side question the notion that a public nuisance can be defined so broadly to include both the sale of a legal product and the impact on carbon pollution, much of it coming from China and India.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of nuisance

Noun

The use of bifenthrin increased in 2023 because of cotton pest outbreaks.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
District superintendent Timothy Eagen said the school's pest-control vendor is using an organic treatment solution, noting that New York has strict regulations governing chemical spraying on school grounds.

— CBS News, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of pest

Noun

The third season sees Ranma and fiancée Akane have to deal with old annoyances, new dangers, and even more shenanigans.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026
While some experts cite the threat of civilian drones being equipped to deliver explosives or chemical or biological agents, authorities and defense executives say the more common risk is annoyance and interruption.

— Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of annoyance

Browse Nearby Words

gadflies

gadfly

gadget

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“Gadfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gadfly. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of gadfly

noun

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