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

However, there are no antiviral drugs or vaccines to help prevent infection or reduce symptoms, according to Marty and Iovine. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026

No, there is not a vaccine or other antiviral treatment for hantavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WHO. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 8 May 2026

Noun

What Actually Helps Shingles There’s no cure, but antivirals taken within 72 hours of the rash appearing can shorten the infection and reduce the chance of complications. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026

Beyond antivirals, treatment focuses on managing symptoms. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 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