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 Some populations of the insect use hawthorn fruits, rather than apples, to complete their life cycle and are not considered significant agricultural pests. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026 Attics are poor storage spaces due to temperature fluctuations, poor ventilation, and pests. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2026 Limited areas of bark damage can allow pests and diseases to invade trees, while damage that wraps around the tree may cause girdling and tree death. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 2026 Other risks include pest infestations, higher energy bills, and potential structural issues that could cost you significantly more. — Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pest

Noun

The Russian Federation replied on Tuesday, saying no case of plague had recently been reported in the Irkutsk Oblast, in southeastern Siberia, and that about 200 contacts had been placed in quarantine.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
The infection triggers swollen, painful lymph nodes and can progress to septicemic plague.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of plague

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 usual symptoms include high fever, headache, stiffness and an overall feeling that resembles the flu.

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
Budget cuts The unrest is adding to a major political headache for the government, which is about to start tough budget negotiations against a backdrop of division and economic turmoil.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of headache

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

Noun

The Parquet Courts frontman has launched the group Iconic Fugues with a two-pronged track that’s surely relatable to anyone who has a rose and a thorn of the past year.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
The shrubs, ranging from deer brush to white thorn shrub, are incredibly good at resprouting, Young said.

— Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of thorn

Noun

Their wavelike motion helps move around germs, mucus, dust, and other irritants so the body can dispel them via coughing or sneezing.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026
The outcomes are shrouded in mystery, a particular irritant for leadership teams obsessed with data and clarity.

— Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of irritant

Noun

Players slapped each other’s helmets in frustration while angry voices carried from the sideline.

— D’Joumbarey Moreau, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
Rubin acknowledged the union’s frustrations in a response to the no-confidence vote, but said there were no funds available to increase overtime.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pest

noun

Example Sentences

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