virulent

adjective

vir·​u·​lent ˈvir-ə-lənt 

ˈvir-yə-

1

a

: marked by a rapid, severe, and destructive course

a virulent infection

b

: able to overcome bodily defensive mechanisms : markedly pathogenic

virulent bacteria

2

: extremely poisonous or venomous

3

: full of malice : malignant

virulent racists

4

: objectionably harsh or strong

virulent criticism

virulently adverb

Synonyms of virulent

• malicious
• vicious
• cruel
• hateful
• nasty

Examples of virulent in a Sentence

The country seemed to be returning to the virulent nationalism of its past.

the virulent look on her face warned me that she was about to say something unkind

Recent Examples on the Web

But the ability to beat back our more routine pathological menaces is a good indicator of the country’s ability to take on bigger, more virulent threats. —Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026

The first great wave of Eastern European Jewish immigration to the United States began in 1881, set off by virulent, violent antisemitism in the Pale of Settlement. —Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026

Despite the recent controversy, Rose has been perceived largely positively in Poland over his virulent defense of Polish history. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 5 Feb. 2026

Whether the impact is from a hurricane, tornado, derecho, wildfire, or severe flooding, the typical American home, commercial building or municipal structure typically lacks the strength to withstand the onslaught of today’s more virulent weather events. —Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "discharging watery pus, purulent," borrowed from Latin vīrulentus "full of poison, venomous," from vīrus "venom, poisonous fluid" + -ulentus "having in quantity, full of" — more at virus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing virulent

• hyper-virulent

Rhymes for virulent

• avirulent

Kids Definition

virulent

adjective

vir·​u·​lent ˈvir-(y)ə-lənt 

1

a

: marked by a rapid, severe, and often deadly course

a virulent infection

b

: able to overcome or break down the defenses of the body

a virulent germ

2

: extremely poisonous : noxious

3

: full of hate : spiteful

virulently adverb

Medical Definition

virulent

adjective

vir·​u·​lent -lənt 

1

a

: marked by a rapid, severe, and malignant course

a virulent infection

b

: able to overcome bodily defense mechanisms

a virulent pathogen

2

: extremely poisonous or venomous : noxious