as in virus
sickness that can be passed from one person, plant, or animal to another
The rumors spread like a contagion.
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Recent Examples of contagion
The epidemic is believed to have killed at least 200 people, though experts have warned of a significant undercount of both deaths and cases, pointing to contagion reported in the main regional hubs including in neighboring Uganda.
—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
25 May 2026
Brian Levin, chair of California’s Commission on Hate, said the attack may reflect a contagion spreading among extremist youths.
—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2026
Tuesday’s rat-trapping marks the start of fieldwork within Argentina's wider investigation into the origin of the contagion that struck the MV Hondius, killing three people, sickening several others and setting off a global scramble to trace passengers and their close contacts.
—
ABC News,
19 May 2026
The World Health Organization has stressed that the outbreak wasn't a repeat of COVID and that the contagion was very rare.
—
CBS News,
18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for contagion
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
25 May 2026
Brian Levin, chair of California’s Commission on Hate, said the attack may reflect a contagion spreading among extremist youths.
—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2026
Tuesday’s rat-trapping marks the start of fieldwork within Argentina's wider investigation into the origin of the contagion that struck the MV Hondius, killing three people, sickening several others and setting off a global scramble to trace passengers and their close contacts.
—
ABC News,
19 May 2026
The World Health Organization has stressed that the outbreak wasn't a repeat of COVID and that the contagion was very rare.
—
CBS News,
18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for contagion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagion
Noun
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The greatest obstacles to controlling Ebola are rarely the virus itself.
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Slowing the virus’ spread has been hampered by the fact that there is no known treatment or vaccine for the new Bundibugyo strain.
Noun
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Post-pandemic issues like business exodus, homelessness, crime, and litter plague North American cities.
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Why did the plague kill so many children?
Noun
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In what felt like an absolute fever dream, the PIX 11 studio team was talking to reporter Steve Gelbs before a game against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies.
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Raj wakes up with the flu, a high fever, and a negative COVID test result.
Cite this Entry
“Contagion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagion. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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