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
Yet the handpicked chair of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has downplayed the importance of the vaccine for measles, as well as for polio and other highly contagious, deadly diseases.
—
Jerome Adams, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026
The report further says that a military supplier provided the three bases with dogs that were infected with highly contagious Giardiasis, which causes intestinal distress in the dogs, including vomiting and weight loss.
—Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
The up-and-coming It girl is giving a masterclass in 90s nostalgia while giving it a fun, modern twist that is just so contagious.
—Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 6 Mar. 2026
The rash usually appears four days after the sick person becomes contagious.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Jerome Adams, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026
The report further says that a military supplier provided the three bases with dogs that were infected with highly contagious Giardiasis, which causes intestinal distress in the dogs, including vomiting and weight loss.
—Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
The up-and-coming It girl is giving a masterclass in 90s nostalgia while giving it a fun, modern twist that is just so contagious.
—Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 6 Mar. 2026
The rash usually appears four days after the sick person becomes contagious.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious
Adjective
-
The laughing becomes infectious.—
Omar L. Gallaga,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
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In the lead-up to the midterms, Kennedy is reportedly nudging HHS away from attacking infectious-disease policy.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
5 Mar. 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 16 Mar. 2026.
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