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
Relevance
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of ailments
Both ailments required offseason surgery.
—
Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2026
These bacteria are known to cause a host of ailments, including listeriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, Guillain-Barré syndrome, miscarriage, brucellosis, chronic inflammatory conditions, reactive arthritis and death.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
But these ailments, including the recent seven-game absence with the groin strain, have to be concerning.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026
Michael King missed most of last year due to shoulder and knee ailments.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2026
The implications about diet and disease — and the possibility of drastically reducing our most fatal ailments — are convincing.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
As for the Heat’s injuries, Herro and Ware’s ailments are the new ones to monitor.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Pacheco’s violent running style led to a variety of ailments.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
The complaint states Geter Pinder suffers from severe emotional distress, anxiety, paranoia about her safety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other ailments.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026
Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2026
These bacteria are known to cause a host of ailments, including listeriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, Guillain-Barré syndrome, miscarriage, brucellosis, chronic inflammatory conditions, reactive arthritis and death.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
But these ailments, including the recent seven-game absence with the groin strain, have to be concerning.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026
Michael King missed most of last year due to shoulder and knee ailments.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2026
The implications about diet and disease — and the possibility of drastically reducing our most fatal ailments — are convincing.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
As for the Heat’s injuries, Herro and Ware’s ailments are the new ones to monitor.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Pacheco’s violent running style led to a variety of ailments.
—Jesse Newell, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
The complaint states Geter Pinder suffers from severe emotional distress, anxiety, paranoia about her safety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other ailments.
—Abby Dodge, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ailments
Noun
-
Supplements can’t claim to treat specific diseases or medical conditions.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
There are over 10,000 rare diseases — 95% of which don't have a cure.—
Brad Quick,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
As a result, illnesses commonly spread via milk became less prevalent.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Over half of the illnesses are in children younger than 5.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The first New Mexico trial on the ills and dangers of social media platforms began in February after a nearly three-year probe by the state.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
24 Mar. 2026
-
And Pearl, while making his team’s case Thursday, unwittingly did a fine job of spelling out the ills of expansion as well.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The symptoms of our darkest cultural sicknesses become visible.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Mar. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
The strong wind, combined with the dry air and dry brush on the ground, creates conditions for an elevated wildfire threat.—
March 28,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Check airport conditions early and often, including official websites and social media accounts where airports share timely updates and guidance, according to experts.—
John Raby,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Following the diagnosis, Urso, 40, began treatment that has included extended hospital stays, fevers and rigorous chemotherapy sessions.—
Daniel I. Dorfman,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Huxham’s was prescribed for fevers, and its base ingredient would turn out to be important in treating malaria.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ailments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ailments. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
