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
Lack of income is a contagion that infects self-worth, confidence and the ability to be present in life.
—
Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
Neutrality allowed the nation to build strength, expand westward, and avoid the ideological contagions sweeping the continent.
—Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
Cook County officials said 13 people had direct contact with the dog during the possible contagion period and have started treatment.
—Noel Brennan, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
For one, statistical modeling typically requires contagion to occur within a tight temporal window, often 1 to 3 years.
—Jonathan Powell, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contagion
Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
Neutrality allowed the nation to build strength, expand westward, and avoid the ideological contagions sweeping the continent.
—Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
Cook County officials said 13 people had direct contact with the dog during the possible contagion period and have started treatment.
—Noel Brennan, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
For one, statistical modeling typically requires contagion to occur within a tight temporal window, often 1 to 3 years.
—Jonathan Powell, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contagion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagion
Noun
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So, measles showing up in wastewater is a sign that infected people are shedding tiny bits of the virus through things like mucus, saliva and stool.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Jan. 2026
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In April, the Pan American Health Organization’s committee on this topic will meet to determine whether the virus has been circulating in the same chain of transmission for 12 months, which is a key metric for designating the disease’s status.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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From Agnes’ brutal childbirth scenes to the wrenching heartbreak when the plague hits their household and takes 11-year-old Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe), Zhao immerses you in Agnes and Will’s grief while also touching on their own individual internal tussles.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
22 Jan. 2026
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Published in 1842, Poe’s story follows Prince Prospero, who retreats with a group of nobles into a fortified abbey as a deadly plague ravages the countryside.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Meanwhile, Olympic fever is rising in Italy.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
23 Jan. 2026
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Measles symptoms include rash, fever, fatigue.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contagion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagion. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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