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
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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
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Recent Examples of contagious
Her positive attitude is truly contagious, often serving as the catalyst that motivates her peers to engage more deeply with school initiatives.
—
Darla Rivera, Oklahoman, 19 Jan. 2026
Measles is highly contagious, spreading through the air when a person who is infected coughs, sneezes, breathes, or talks.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026
One thing’s for certain — merger mania is always contagious in Hollywood.
—Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 16 Jan. 2026
The measles vaccine is one of the most effective and the disease is one of the most contagious airborne pathogens.
—Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Darla Rivera, Oklahoman, 19 Jan. 2026
Measles is highly contagious, spreading through the air when a person who is infected coughs, sneezes, breathes, or talks.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 19 Jan. 2026
One thing’s for certain — merger mania is always contagious in Hollywood.
—Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 16 Jan. 2026
The measles vaccine is one of the most effective and the disease is one of the most contagious airborne pathogens.
—Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious
Adjective
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His infectious enthusiasm for books opened doors to other roles, like being named the new host of Reading Rainbow and the resident librarian at PBS.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
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Dustin — a fan-favorite from the very first episode because of his infectious optimism and unapologetic nerdiness — is no exception.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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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
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On July 30, Ray updated her fans again, revealing her diagnosis of infective endocarditis, a severe heart infection.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
31 July 2024
Cite this Entry
“Contagious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagious. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
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