Synonyms for

Pest

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

Definition

A pest is an insect or animal that causes harm or damage to crops, plants, or property.

Synonyms & similar words

cuss pestis pesterer blighter gadfly plague pestilence vermin insect bug rodent critter nuisance bother annoyance irritation plague scourge blight menace intruder interloper invader marauder raider predator parasite

Synonyms by register

Formal

nuisance vermin bane scourge

Informal

pain trouble annoyance nuisance

Literary

plague affliction bane

Antonyms

blessing asset benefit boon advantage treasure

Common collocations

  • common pest
  • garden pest
  • household pest
  • pests and diseases
  • pest control
  • pest infestation
  • destroy pests
  • get rid of pests

Word family

noun pest
verb pester
adjective pestilent

Usage note

While 'pest' can refer to an insect or animal that causes damage or disease, it is also commonly used informally to describe a person who is annoying or troublesome.

Example sentences

  1. The ants in our kitchen are a pest.
  2. The rabbits are eating all of the vegetables in my garden, they are pests.
  3. The mouse in our house is a pest.
  4. The mosquitoes are such pests, they keep biting me!
  5. The termites are causing damage to our house, they are pests.

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