plagues

NOUN

disease that is widespread

Synonyms

STRONGEST

contagion curse epidemic infection infestation influenza invasion outbreak pandemic scourge

STRONG

affliction hydra pestilence rash ravage

Antonyms

WEAK

advantage good fortune good luck

NOUN

annoyance, curse

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blight calamity cancer pest scourge

STRONG

affliction aggravation bane blast bother botheration evil exasperation hydra irritant nuisance pain problem torment trial vexation

WEAK

besetment thorn in side

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantage blessing boon happiness

STRONG

aid comfort health help joy pleasure

WEAK

good fortune good luck

VERB

annoy, disturb

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afflict bedevil beleaguer bother haunt hound infest torment trouble worry

STRONG

badger chafe fret gall gnaw harass harry hassle hector irk molest pain persecute pester pursue ride tease torture vex

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid help make happy please

STRONG

assist cheer comfort delight soothe support

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

We’ve had plagues and climate change before, to some degree, but until the Manhattan Project, humans weren’t really in control of that kind of existential, destructive power.

From Salon • Jun. 15, 2026

Government inefficiency still plagues the country, and it has the worst pollution on the planet.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

For many people, locust swarms evoke images of ancient plagues, but the danger is very real today.

From Science Daily • Jan. 24, 2026

Cazzu hails from the province of Jujuy, miles away from the musical snobbery that plagues much of Buenos Aires, and her genuine investment in a pan-Latino idiom is contagious.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

I don't remember other plagues with symptoms like that.

From "Legend" by Marie Lu