as in nuisance
one who is obnoxiously annoying
the journalist was known as a gadfly for exposing hypocrisy in politics
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Recent Examples of gadfly
When Zeus took a liking to princess Io, Hera turned her into a heifer, then sent a gadfly – like a horse fly – to sting her constantly.
—
Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2025
One reason the collection merits revisiting is Macdonald’s voice, which is both witty and pugnacious, the voice of a gadfly who delighted in mocking conventional pieties and in challenging the status quo.
—The New Yorker, 24 Dec. 2024
Trantalis owes much to the three gadflies who challenged him, even though none had a chance of defeating him.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2024
Listening to activist investors can be a chore for many management teams and boards, who tend to think of activists as massive distractions taking them away from the business of actually running their enterprises or attention-hungry gadflies who merely take credit for changes already underway.
—Owen Tripp, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for gadfly
Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2025
One reason the collection merits revisiting is Macdonald’s voice, which is both witty and pugnacious, the voice of a gadfly who delighted in mocking conventional pieties and in challenging the status quo.
—The New Yorker, 24 Dec. 2024
Trantalis owes much to the three gadflies who challenged him, even though none had a chance of defeating him.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2024
Listening to activist investors can be a chore for many management teams and boards, who tend to think of activists as massive distractions taking them away from the business of actually running their enterprises or attention-hungry gadflies who merely take credit for changes already underway.
—Owen Tripp, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for gadfly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gadfly
Noun
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Along with claims of trespass and nuisance, Energy Transfer alleges that Greenpeace defamed the company to its financial backers.—
Jennifer Safstrom,
The Conversation,
11 Mar. 2025
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While some travelers may view passing through the security line as a nuisance, TSA plays a critical role in the safety of traveling throughout the U.S. – and their work expands far beyond airports.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA TODAY,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Residents of Independence towers unionized with KC Tenants in May after the building’s hot water system was down for two weeks, following months of serious plumbing, heating and cooling, and pest control issues.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
19 Mar. 2025
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The seasons are also changing, making agriculture more difficult, while pests, including moths, are thriving.—
Simeon Tegel,
NPR,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Even many non-conservatives believe Newsom seems to treat the governor’s job as an annoyance that gets in the way of more important business.—
Steven Greenhut,
Orange County Register,
16 Mar. 2025
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In a 2023 survey of more than 1,500 travelers by Only Wanderlust, chatty seat neighbors were identified as a top 20 airplane annoyance.—
Zach Wichter,
USA TODAY,
12 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gadfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gadfly. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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