1
as in disease
an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning
suffered from a mysterious illness that left her weak and tired all the time
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sickness
the condition of not being in good health
prone to illness as a child, he was sent to a western ranch with the expectation that it would toughen him up
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illness
For example, weight loss from dieting might differ from weight loss due to illness.
—
New Atlas, 12 Sep. 2025
An article from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine stated that toxoplasmosis is an illness caused by a tiny parasite called Toxoplasma gondii—one of the most common parasitic diseases—which can infect nearly all warm-blooded animals, including pets and humans.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
While the commission’s May report had singled out pesticides as a driver of childhood illness, the new report avoids calling for a crackdown on pesticides and other farming chemicals.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 12 Sep. 2025
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the illness usually begins within two weeks of exposure.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illness
New Atlas, 12 Sep. 2025
An article from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine stated that toxoplasmosis is an illness caused by a tiny parasite called Toxoplasma gondii—one of the most common parasitic diseases—which can infect nearly all warm-blooded animals, including pets and humans.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
While the commission’s May report had singled out pesticides as a driver of childhood illness, the new report avoids calling for a crackdown on pesticides and other farming chemicals.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 12 Sep. 2025
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the illness usually begins within two weeks of exposure.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illness
Noun
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The smallest, what are called ultrafine particles, even slip through the alveolar capillary barrier itself, crossing into the bloodstream, and from there travel throughout the body, including to the heart, the brain, and the kidneys to initiate even more destruction and disease (see below).—
Bill Frist,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
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But the shot has been a life-saving public health intervention against the disease, which can lead to severe health problems, including liver cancer and failure, and death.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But without it, millions more are at risk for death, sickness and migration, Fletcher said.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
15 Sep. 2025
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When a person is gravely ill, they’re often forced to fight two battles, one against their sickness and the other against the insurance company.—
Duaa Eldeib,
ProPublica,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Practitioners and patients alike have realized that there is no magical pill that treats all ailments for everyone.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Quarterback Brock Purdy has shoulder and toe ailments and will sit out at least the next two games.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Speaking ill of Mike Trout’s flawless game was impossible.—
Sam Blum,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
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One dares to hope that Hollywood, for all its current ills, may finally be turning a corner, reverting back to when new ideas were held at a premium.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Same goes if it’s accompanied by other new-to-you symptoms—like numbness, weakness, tingling, fever, weight loss, or issues with bowel or bladder function, all of which can point to conditions that require medical care.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
12 Sep. 2025
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Although signs of illness are uncommon, some cats may develop fever, loss of appetite or lethargy.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illness. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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