1
as in infectious
capable of being passed by physical contact from one person to another
chicken pox, measles, German measles, and other contagious diseases
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spreading
exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others
the enthusiasm of the new club members was contagious
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 contagious
Fortunately, seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious and can be treated relatively easily.
—
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 19 June 2025
Acts of resistance can be highly contagious, just as cowardice can be contagious.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 14 June 2025
This year showboats a trio of headliners that represent musical innovation and the contagious spirit of dance.
—Malik Peay, Essence, 12 June 2025
The presence of the virus this month in samples indicates an additional person may be infected with the highly contagious illness, according to a news release.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 19 June 2025
Acts of resistance can be highly contagious, just as cowardice can be contagious.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 14 June 2025
This year showboats a trio of headliners that represent musical innovation and the contagious spirit of dance.
—Malik Peay, Essence, 12 June 2025
The presence of the virus this month in samples indicates an additional person may be infected with the highly contagious illness, according to a news release.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious
Adjective
-
State health officials estimated less than 1% of cases — fewer than 10 — are actively infectious.—
DEVI SHASTRI,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2025
-
Vega brought an infectious attitude to the team that finished the year 24-1 and wound up No. 1 in the nation in the MaxPreps rankings.—
Gary Curreri,
Sun Sentinel,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
His provisional cause of death was given as multi-organ failure due to infective endocarditis, a rare infection of the inner lining or valves of the heart.—
Daniel Taylor,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
-
His provisional cause of death was given as multi-organ failure due to infective endocarditis, a rare infection of the inner lining or valves of the heart.—
Daniel Taylor,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contagious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagious. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share