Synonyms of pesky

pesky

adjective

ˈpe-skē 

as in annoying

causing annoyance

the pesky problem of what to do with all the leftovers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• annoying
• frustrating
• irritating
• disturbing
• aggravating
• irksome
• vexing
• bothersome
• maddening
• nettlesome
• exasperating
• vexatious
• pestiferous
• pestilential
• pesty
• painful
• abrasive
• pestilent
• plaguey
• galling
• troublesome
• chafing
• rankling
• distractive
• peeving
• nettling
• rebarbative
• carking
• riling
• troubling
• mischievous
• biting
• stressful
• infuriating
• burdensome
• importunate
• displeasing
• upsetting
• disquieting
• distressing
• tiresome
• discomforting
• offensive
• worrisome
• inconveniencing
• enraging
• angering
• thorny
• spiny
• trying
• bratty
• importune
• brattish
• jarring
• grating
• jangling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• delightful
• pleasing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pesky

Smith was able to stay relatively healthy last season, earning consistent playing time because of his pesky perimeter defense and steady offensive game in a backup point guard role. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

Unlike plastic containers, these sturdy steel swaps won’t stain, warp, or hold onto pesky odors. — Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2026

Some deer wag more than others, and whitetails will swish more at different times of year—for example, in summer and into early bow season, when pesky bugs hover. — Tom Carpenter, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026

Bo French, a Republican running for Texas Railroad Commissioner, couldn’t get past all those pesky brown-skinned men invading the stands. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026