antiviral

1 of 2

adjective

an·​ti·​vi·​ral ˌan-tē-ˈvī-rəl 

ˌan-tī-

1

medical : acting, effective, or directed against viruses

an antiviral vaccine/drug

2

: used to protect a computer from viruses : antivirus

antiviral software

antiviral

2 of 2

noun

: an antiviral agent and especially a drug

antivirals used in treating influenza

Examples of antiviral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

NanoViricides, a nano-biopharmaceutical company, received approval from the Food and Drug Administration in May to continue development of a broad-spectrum antiviral candidate for measles treatment. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

This medication — different from Paxlovid, an antiviral medication used to lessen COVID-19 symptoms — prevents people from contracting the illness after exposure. — Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026

Noun

Many insurers also still require proof of sobriety or documented cirrhosis before covering direct-acting antivirals. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

But giving an antiviral soon after exposure can help prevent disease and could be faster-acting than a typical vaccine. — Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1959, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for antiviral

• retroviral
• adenoviral
• antiretroviral
• chiral
• spiral
• viral

Medical Definition

antiviral

1 of 2 adjective

an·​ti·​vi·​ral -ˈvi-rəl 

variants also antivirus

-rəs 

: acting, effective, or directed against viruses

antiviral drugs

antiviral

2 of 2 noun

: an antiviral agent and especially a drug