Definition of contagiousnext
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

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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

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 His laugh was so contagious and warm. Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026 His laugh was so contagious and warm. Jack Dunn, Variety, 14 June 2026 As the old saying goes, courage is contagious. Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026 The excitement, the closer said, was contagious. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for contagious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious
Adjective
  • Lynn's infectious personality and ongoing quest for selfies made her someone that everyone wanted to know, and her sharp wit kept readers coming back for more.
    Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • The traveler was infectious while passing through Los Angeles County, potentially exposing others at LAX and the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel.
    Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
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
  • On July 30, Ray updated her fans again, revealing her diagnosis of infective endocarditis, a severe heart infection.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 31 July 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Contagious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagious. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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