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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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
The measles disease is highly, highly contagious, said Dr. Mark Burns, associate professor of medicine at the University of Louisville's Division of Infectious Diseases.
—
Lillian Metzmeier, The Courier-Journal, 3 July 2025
People with the flu are generally contagious for three to seven days after the onset of symptoms.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Due to the contagious nature of the incurable disease, when it's detected, standard practice is to humanely kill all affected and exposed poultry.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
People can be contagious from about four days before the rash begins through four days afterward.
—Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Lillian Metzmeier, The Courier-Journal, 3 July 2025
People with the flu are generally contagious for three to seven days after the onset of symptoms.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Due to the contagious nature of the incurable disease, when it's detected, standard practice is to humanely kill all affected and exposed poultry.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
People can be contagious from about four days before the rash begins through four days afterward.
—Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious
Adjective
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Highlife arose in the Fante coast of Ghana in the 19th century, where natives curated infectious polyrhythms through primarily brass instruments, local drums, guitars, the Akan Seprewa—some which derived from Caribbean soldiers and British military brass bands.—
Ime Ekpo,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
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The rate of spread would be different based on how infectious the disease is and the effectiveness of the vaccine, as well as the vaccination rates.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
10 July 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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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
Cite this Entry
“Contagious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagious. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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