Synonyms of contagious

contagious

adjective

kən-ˈtā-jəs 

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

• infectious
• infective
• communicable
• transmissible
• catching
• transmittable
• pestilent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• noninfectious
• noncommunicable

2

as in spreading

exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others

the enthusiasm of the new club members was contagious

Synonyms & Similar Words

• infectious
• spreading
• epidemic
• catching
• tangible
• irresistible
• perceptible
• overwhelming
• overpowering
• palpable
• winning
• endearing
• inviting
• fetching
• disarming
• winsome

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contagious

Diarrhea Once water has been contaminated by germs that cause contagious diarrhea, a swimmer only has to swallow a tiny amount to become infected. — Amanda MacMillan, Health, 30 July 2026

Traditional burial practices in some communities involve touching the bodies of the deceased, which can be highly contagious. — Prosper Heri Ngorora, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

The disease can be easily treated with standard antibiotics, and people are no longer contagious after just a few doses. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 29 July 2026

This month biologists at the University of Vermont reported in Nature that the black melanoma is contagious, the tumor cells themselves passing from one fish to the next. — John Drake, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Phrases Containing contagious

• contagious disease