as in diseases
an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning
a doctor known for successfully treating patients with chronic back ailments
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of ailments
Later, the state spent $6 million to seal the brick building, after state workers complained of respiratory ailments and asthma.
—
Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
In 2010, two years before his death at 82 from complications of heart and lung ailments, Reisman founded Table Tennis Nation.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Jan. 2026
The limitations can turn even common ailments — such as toothaches or ear pain — into difficult medical conundrums.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Rarely, salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 2026
The treatment can provide relief from respiratory ailments and skin conditions, along with lowering stress and anxiety.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Jan. 2026
But claims that pot can alleviate insomnia, chronic pain and other ailments have little or no empirical support.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2025
For a more comprehensive mind-body tune-up, guests can opt for a multiday Paths to Wellbeing program, which targets specific ailments, such as insomnia.
—Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 31 Dec. 2025
But, Diabanté questions, isn’t a world without strife, oppression, war, famine, poverty and all other societal ailments what humans have been struggling for all along?
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2025
Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 11 Jan. 2026
In 2010, two years before his death at 82 from complications of heart and lung ailments, Reisman founded Table Tennis Nation.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Jan. 2026
The limitations can turn even common ailments — such as toothaches or ear pain — into difficult medical conundrums.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Rarely, salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 2026
The treatment can provide relief from respiratory ailments and skin conditions, along with lowering stress and anxiety.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Jan. 2026
But claims that pot can alleviate insomnia, chronic pain and other ailments have little or no empirical support.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2025
For a more comprehensive mind-body tune-up, guests can opt for a multiday Paths to Wellbeing program, which targets specific ailments, such as insomnia.
—Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 31 Dec. 2025
But, Diabanté questions, isn’t a world without strife, oppression, war, famine, poverty and all other societal ailments what humans have been struggling for all along?
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ailments
Noun
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The models, called Eden, will be used to help advance gene editing and potential cures to deadly diseases.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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Holmes experienced a meteoric rise in the early 2010s with the initial success of her company, Theranos, which claimed its medical device could detect diseases from a few drops of blood at a fraction of the price.—
Jacqueline Munis,
Fortune,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Participants can receive no-cost vaccinations for flu, RSV, shingles, tetanus, HPV and other illnesses.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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Do the newborns who get the vaccine develop other severe illnesses in the first few weeks of life?—
Gabrielle Emanuel,
NPR,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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During the 1980s, both tabloids pandered to the racial resentments and fears of white New Yorkers when covering all of the city’s ills.—
Heather Ann Thompson,
The Atlantic,
26 Jan. 2026
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Winning tends to cure a lot of ills, and the Hornets hit the road this week with two recent home victories to their credit.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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From the moment the kids set foot back at school in the fall, until some time around spring break, parents can expect sicknesses to take over their homes faster than the latest viral slang expression.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
10 Jan. 2026
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And among parents, the fear of illnesses like polio, measles and other sicknesses were always present.—
Romy Ellenbogen,
Miami Herald,
18 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Cancellations at the Atlanta airport More than 10,000 flights across the country have been canceled as airports manage the harsh conditions caused by the storm.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026
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Robert had been invited to climb it as part of the building’s official public opening, but conditions were far worse that day, with rain and heavy winds – making his climb four hours long, compared to Honnold’s one and a half hours.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The zoonotic virus can spread between animals and people, mostly fruit bats and pigs, with mild to severe symptoms from fevers to brain infection and death, according to the Cleveland Clinic.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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Tylenol is the drug recommended by OB-GYNs for pain or fevers while pregnant, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.—
Bloomberg News,
Boston Herald,
17 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ailments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ailments. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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