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
Galen concocted medicines that seem strange to modern ears, such as treating ailments like inflammation with feces sprinkled with thyme to mask the odor.
—
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026
In recent years Foege battled multiple health ailments, including cancer, congestive heart failure, gout, and a terrible case of shingles.
—Helen Branswell, STAT, 25 Jan. 2026
Not all ailments are alike, naturally.
—Jamie Holmes, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2026
Former first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall missed nearly half the season with myriad ailments.
—Alex Valdes, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2026
In a new interview with BBC Two, Collins elaborated on the chronic ailments that previously prompted him to retire from performing following Genesis’ final tour in 2022.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026
But Wilson has soured on Advent in recent years, and now views the private equity firm’s influence and lingering presence as a personification of Lululemon’s ailments.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Meeting drifters and friendly folk along the way, Alvin is doggedly determined to make amends while facing ailments of his own.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Jan. 2026
Hufanga had played 17 games his previous two seasons and kept getting injured — a torn ACL here, a torn wrist ligament there and various ankle issues and other ailments.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026
In recent years Foege battled multiple health ailments, including cancer, congestive heart failure, gout, and a terrible case of shingles.
—Helen Branswell, STAT, 25 Jan. 2026
Not all ailments are alike, naturally.
—Jamie Holmes, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 2026
Former first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall missed nearly half the season with myriad ailments.
—Alex Valdes, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2026
In a new interview with BBC Two, Collins elaborated on the chronic ailments that previously prompted him to retire from performing following Genesis’ final tour in 2022.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026
But Wilson has soured on Advent in recent years, and now views the private equity firm’s influence and lingering presence as a personification of Lululemon’s ailments.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Meeting drifters and friendly folk along the way, Alvin is doggedly determined to make amends while facing ailments of his own.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Jan. 2026
Hufanga had played 17 games his previous two seasons and kept getting injured — a torn ACL here, a torn wrist ligament there and various ankle issues and other ailments.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ailments
Noun
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Rotating crops helps minimize pests and diseases.—
Sheryl Geerts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Feb. 2026
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When consumed in excess, salt can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of cardiovascular diseases.—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Artemis astronauts leave quarantine Delaying the mission until March means the astronauts have exited quarantine at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, which is protocol ahead of spaceflights to ensure crews avoid exposure to illnesses.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
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One of the illnesses that can be especially serious for young children is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).—
Michael Cromer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The conductor added that opera not only reveals societal ills but can model what an ideal society can look like.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
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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
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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Under normal conditions, these signals go straight to the robot’s central processing unit.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Feb. 2026
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No matter the conditions, our officers are always ready to answer the call.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Born healthy, Shiloh thrived through infancy until, around 18 months, unexplained fevers began to appear.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
USA Today,
1 Feb. 2026
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The measles rash often starts on the face and spreads downward, with concomitant fevers spiking dangerously to 104°F or higher.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ailments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ailments. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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