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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contagious
Asked what about Black does it for her, Fanning's answer naturally had to do with the beloved actor's contagious spirit.
—
Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease that's particularly dangerous for the youngest infants.
—Rosemary Westwood, NPR, 28 Oct. 2025
The virus is highly contagious for birds, and the state is working to prevent outbreaks and help residents keep backyard flocks safe.
—Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 28 Oct. 2025
The two illnesses are both contagious and feature similar symptoms, according to the CDC.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease that's particularly dangerous for the youngest infants.
—Rosemary Westwood, NPR, 28 Oct. 2025
The virus is highly contagious for birds, and the state is working to prevent outbreaks and help residents keep backyard flocks safe.
—Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 28 Oct. 2025
The two illnesses are both contagious and feature similar symptoms, according to the CDC.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious
Adjective
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For her part, BunnaB, beloved for her infectious, near-constant laughs, has separated herself from this ascendant pack by infusing her bubbly disposition, girl’s girl attitude, unfettered authenticity — and the unmistakable gravity of earning a second shot.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
5 Nov. 2025
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He will be sorely missed by his many, many friends who grew to love his charm, his wit, his infectious laugh and his innate sense of style.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Nov. 2025
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 25 Nov. 2025.
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