as in disease
an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning
half of the staff is out sick with the usual wintertime ails
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to bother
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
parents who were at a loss to explain what was ailing their normally vivacious daughter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ail
Ben Morse, CNN, 17 Feb. 2024
In the age of generative AI, the theft of huge troves of medical information might be even more dangerous, as our health records wind up in data sets that enable off-the-books innovation in exploiting our ails.
—Steven Levy, WIRED, 12 Jan. 2024
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026
The tweaks should fix much of what has long ailed it.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ail
Noun
What’s more, the age-old phrase the team’s fans have used to describe Detroit’s recent ails – ‘SOL’ or same old Lions – seems to have been banished for now.
—Ben Morse, CNN, 17 Feb. 2024
In the age of generative AI, the theft of huge troves of medical information might be even more dangerous, as our health records wind up in data sets that enable off-the-books innovation in exploiting our ails.
—Steven Levy, WIRED, 12 Jan. 2024
Verb
The combination of Randy Vásquez yielding solo home runs with two outs in each of the first three innings and the Padres’ ailing offense being unable to do much against previously struggling Phillies starter Aaron Nola was too much to avoid a third consecutive loss.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026
The tweaks should fix much of what has long ailed it.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ail
Noun
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But some researchers who were involved in the network say the cuts weakened relationships with experts abroad that had been fostered over years, undercutting research collaborations on dangerous diseases like Ebola.—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
3 June 2026
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The company also flags baseline cardiac disease, abnormal ECG, arrhythmia, prior cervical vagotomy, abnormal cervical anatomy, brain tumor or aneurysm history, head trauma, syncope, seizures and nickel allergy as unevaluated risks.—
Samantha Agate,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
Verb
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This was a club that embraced African players before much of Europe bothered to scout the continent seriously.—
Zohran Mamdani,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
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In my dream world where Emmys voters bother to watch Bait, Khan is a shoo-in.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Those advocating for a fundamental reset — including Newsom, businesses, cities and counties — say a cottage industry of consultants and attorneys have morphed the claim process to include common ailments such as high blood pressure and toenail fungus.—
Joe Rubin,
Sacbee.com,
28 May 2026
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Not only that, but Jill said physical ailments were also taking their toll on the career politician.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
Verb
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The ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has alarmed global public health experts over the ferocity of the spread in the remote and heavily populated region.—
Jane Weaver,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
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At a moment when surveillance technologies are increasingly weaponized against our communities, Albany’s latest proposal should alarm every New Yorker.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
28 May 2026
Noun
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As those creative juices start flowing, the superstar comedian realizes her illness might be fertile ground for a new special.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
29 May 2026
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The good news is that as of publication of this article, no one has reported an allergic reaction or illness after eating the SkinnyDipped Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond Bites.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
28 May 2026
Verb
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Most were for assault of police officers while other allegations include theft, vandalism and disturbing the public order.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 May 2026
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Regardless, there’s a clear symbolism to Clark empathizing and embracing a bloated externalization of his own inchoate fury until someone with an outside perspective disturbs his peace, and that fury breaks loose and devours him.—
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Blaming the Cubs’ ills on off-the-field issues is entertaining and keeps some sportswriters employed well past their expiration date.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2026
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The catalog of ills is familiar.—
Danielle Allen,
The Atlantic,
21 May 2026
Verb
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Politically, while there may have been the Ginsberg who was the heroic advocate for free expression in a 1956 California State Superior Court obscenity trial concerning Howl, there was also the Ginsberg who was a defender of NAMBLA in the 1980s (on first amendment grounds, but still).—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
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Ciara and Interracial Dating in the Bravosphere The most thought-provoking moment of the episode concerned the online minefield that is interracial dating in the Bravosphere, a network that features predominantly white casts.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ail. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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