an·ti·vi·ral
ˌan-tē-ˈvī-rəl 
ˌan-tī-
: an antiviral agent and especially a drug
antivirals used in treating influenza
Examples of antiviral in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Taking an antiviral medication appeared to lower the chances of developing dementia.
—Julia Ries, Health, 31 May 2025
Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
However, once long COVID has developed, antivirals have not been effective, with two recent large randomized clinical trials finding no differences in outcomes compared with placebos.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for antiviral
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.
Adjective
Seek medical attention early to get tested and receive antiviral medications for flu or COVID-19.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Taking an antiviral medication appeared to lower the chances of developing dementia.
—Julia Ries, Health, 31 May 2025
Noun
Researchers have tracked its movements in the wild and studied it in the lab; governments have stockpiled vaccines against it and have effective antivirals ready.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
However, once long COVID has developed, antivirals have not been effective, with two recent large randomized clinical trials finding no differences in outcomes compared with placebos.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for antiviral
Cite this Entry
“Antiviral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antiviral. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share