pesticide

as in poison
a chemical that is used to kill animals or insects that damage plants or crops The family farm has gradually moved away from the use of pesticides.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 pesticide Their population once existed across North America, but the prolific use of pesticides such as DDT beginning in the 1940s caused eggshell thinning and embryo deaths, according to a 1989 report by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Chase Hunter, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025 For example, many in the MAHA movement lament how the United States permits scores of pesticides and consumer product additives that are banned in Europe. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025 The Cutlers and Amanda Cohen both believe in small farms and in not using pesticides, and how important the Earth is for our health. Terence McGinley, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025 The company also tests for contaminants, pesticides, and heavy metals in its products. Sydney Cella, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pesticide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pesticide
Noun
  • Our goal is to get toxins out of our environment, poisons out of our food supply, and keep our children healthy and strong.
    CBS News, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Our goal is to get toxins out of our environment, poisons out of our food supply and keep our children healthy and strong.
    NPR, NPR, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Chemical components of pesticides were found in four of the products — inhaling certain pesticides through marijuana smoking poses a risk of harmful toxicants entering the lungs and bloodstream.
    Ben Markus - Colorado Public Radio, NPR, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Nonetheless, the researchers also acknowledged that realizing such goals will be complex, as U.S. regulators typically consider risks associated with individual toxicants, rather than the complex mixtures that exist in wastewater.
    Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Fire ants are active; use an insecticide to treat the entire lawn following label instructions.
    Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2025
  • In Uganda, for example, the National Malaria Control Program has paused spraying insecticide, program head Dr. Jimmy Opigo said.
    Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 8 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Using Pesticides in the Garden Keeping an immaculate garden usually relies on pesticides and herbicides.
    Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Mar. 2025
  • In that case, early detection of invasive species, by satellite imagery or by people on the ground, is the best way to stop invasives with a variety of removal techniques, be that herbicide or something else, in an attempt to keep them somewhat contained.
    Kylie Mohr, Vox, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder affecting the nervous system that worsens over time, according to the Mayo Clinic.
    Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Damage is also caused by tobacco and poor diets, not exercising, and diseases like obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
    Alice Park, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The apple varieties whose flavors are familiar from the supermarket, such as Granny Smith, Fuji or Honeycrisp, are sprayed regularly with fungicides and other chemicals in commercial orchards.
    Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Otherwise, use of a fungicide labeled for rust control on ornamentals would be helpful.
    Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Common triggers include certain foods, some medications, insect venom and latex.
    Maureen Mackey, Fox News, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The first is that his barbed interventions could signal the full-scale arrival in Europe of the kind of online venom, misinformation, and conspiracy theories – and the angry polarization – that have poisoned American politics.
    Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • What these arguments fail to understand is that DEI protections were put in place for certain groups because of historically discriminatory hiring practices and to course-correct toxic, racist, ableist, homophobic, transphobic, and sexist workplaces.
    Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 30 Jan. 2025
  • This strategy has amplified his visibility but has also drawn criticism for aligning with internet personalities accused of toxic and, for some, abusive behaviors.
    Kia Turner, refinery29.com, 28 Nov. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Pesticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pesticide. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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