antiviral

1 of 2

adjective

an·​ti·​vi·​ral ˌan-tē-ˈvī-rəl How to pronounce antiviral (audio)
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
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
No cure or antiviral medication exists for measles, but most peole who get infected recover within about 10 days by resting, eating well, and drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea. Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Oct. 2025 Concerned, the Brooklyn-native returned to his primary care provider but was immediately sent to the emergency room to receive antiviral treatment through an IV. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2025
Noun
Antimicrobials include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics—all used to prevent and treat infectious disease. Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 Antibiotics are part of a wider group of medicines called antimicrobials, which also include antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antiviral

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antiviral was in 1929

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Cite this Entry

“Antiviral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antiviral. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

antiviral

1 of 2 adjective
an·​ti·​vi·​ral -ˈvi-rəl How to pronounce antiviral (audio)
variants also antivirus
: acting, effective, or directed against viruses
antiviral drugs

antiviral

2 of 2 noun
: an antiviral agent and especially a drug
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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