pester
17 synonyms and 8 antonyms for pester, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To bother someone repeatedly or persistently.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use pester
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French empestrer ("to encumber"), later influenced by association with "pest," shifting its meaning toward "annoy persistently."
Full origin of pester →Frequently asked questions
What does “pester” mean?
The word “pester” means to bother someone repeatedly or persistently. In plain terms, to keep bothering someone with repeated requests or nagging.
How do you pronounce “pester”?
“Pester” is pronounced PEHS-tuh (/ˈpɛstɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pester” in a sentence?
Here is “pester” used in a sentence: “The kids kept pestering their dad for ice cream.”
What is another word for “pester”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pester” include badger, bait, bedevil, beleaguer, persecute and dog.
What is the opposite of “pester”?
The opposite of “pester” — its antonyms — are get out of someone's ear, get out of someone's face, get up off, give someone a break and leave alone.
What part of speech is “pester”?
“Pester” is a verb.
Where does the word “pester” come from?
The word “pester” comes from Old French. From Old French empestrer ("to encumber"), later influenced by association with "pest," shifting its meaning toward "annoy persistently.".