Synonyms for

Insect

Verb / ˈɪˌnsekt / Another word for insect — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

An insect is a small animal with three body parts and six legs. They often have wings and can be found all over the world.

Synonyms & similar words

Synonyms by register

Informal

Antonyms

Common collocations

  • insect repellent
  • insect bite
  • insect population
  • insect species
  • insect control
  • insect larvae
  • insect wings

Word family

noun insect
adjective insectoid

Usage note

While 'bug' is often used informally as a synonym for 'insect', it technically refers to a specific order of insects (Hemiptera). 'Insectoid' is an adjective describing something resembling an insect.

Example sentences

  1. The butterfly is a beautiful insect with wings of many colors.
  2. The ant is a hardworking insect that can carry things that are much bigger than itself.
  3. I don't like mosquitoes because they bite me and make me itchy.
  4. The grasshopper can jump very high and far.
  5. I saw a spider crawling up the wall.

Quotes

  • "A world without insects would be a world without flowering plants." - E.O. Wilson
  • "We need insects to be healthy, just like they need us." - Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson
  • "Study how water flows in a valley stream, smoothly and freely between the rocks. Also learn from holy books and wise people. Everything - even mountains, rivers, plants and trees - should be your teacher." - Morihei Ueshiba

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