diagnose
verb
di·ag·nose
ˈdī-ig-ˌnōs 
-ˌnōz,
ˌdī-ig-ˈnōs
-ˈnōz,
-əg-
diagnosed; diagnosing
1
a
: to recognize (something, such as a disease) by signs and symptoms
The other method of diagnosing gallstones is through an ultrasound examination, which has the advantages of being simple, safe and quick.—
G. Timothy Johnson
G. Timothy JohnsonPulmonary embolus was diagnosed in two of the actively treated patients …—Richard D. Sautter et al.
Richard D. Sautter et al.
b
: to recognize a disease or condition in
The physicist and cosmologist was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease when he was a 21-year-old student at Cambridge University.—Maria Cheng
Maria Cheng2
: to analyze the cause or nature of
The mechanic diagnosed the problem with the engine.
: to identify a disease from its signs and symptoms : to make a diagnosis
Examples of diagnose in a Sentence
The test is used to help in diagnosing heart disease.
Thousands of new cases have been diagnosed in the past year.
The doctor was unable to diagnose the skin condition.
a new doctor with little experience diagnosing patients
The mechanic was unable to diagnose the problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
Since then, my wife has been diagnosed with postpartum depression and has cheated on me multiple times.
—Jeanne Phillips, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Dealing with these symptoms while not in a committed relationship can be especially traumatizing, particularly for someone as young as Miranda McKeon, who at 19 was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and entered medical menopause.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 20 Mar. 2026
While the severity of photosensitivity varies for those diagnosed, Linares' case is extreme.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
The positive pregnancy test came almost at the same time as the actor’s mother was diagnosed with an aggressive terminal illness.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for diagnose
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Jeanne Phillips, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Dealing with these symptoms while not in a committed relationship can be especially traumatizing, particularly for someone as young as Miranda McKeon, who at 19 was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and entered medical menopause.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 20 Mar. 2026
While the severity of photosensitivity varies for those diagnosed, Linares' case is extreme.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
The positive pregnancy test came almost at the same time as the actor’s mother was diagnosed with an aggressive terminal illness.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for diagnose
Cite this Entry
“Diagnose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diagnose. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
diagnose
verb
di·ag·nose
ˈdī-ig-ˌnōs
-ˌnōz
-ˌnōz
ˌdī-ig-ˈnōs,
-ˈnōz
diagnosed; diagnosing
: to recognize by signs and symptoms : make a diagnosis
diagnose a disease
diagnose a play in football
Medical Definition
diagnose
verb
di·ag·nose
ˈdī-ig-ˌnōs
-ˌnōz
-ˌnōz
ˌdī-ig-ˈ,
-əg-
diagnosed; diagnosing
1
: to recognize (as a disease) by signs and symptoms
2
: to diagnose a disease or condition in
diagnosed the patient
: to make a diagnosis
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