as in infection
sickness that can be passed from one person, plant, or animal to another
Parents are advised to vaccinate their children against contagious diseases.
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Recent Examples of contagious disease
The drop in vaccination coverage comes as the U.S. grapples with rising cases of the measles— one of the most contagious diseases in the world.
—
Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech, The Hill, 31 July 2025
Measles is among the most contagious diseases known.
—Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 8 July 2025
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases to affect humans, and can linger in the air for up to two hours.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 5 June 2025
That could be especially helpful with a highly contagious disease like measles, in which one infected person can quickly spread the virus to as many as 18 others.
—Alice Park, Time, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for contagious disease
Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech, The Hill, 31 July 2025
Measles is among the most contagious diseases known.
—Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 8 July 2025
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases to affect humans, and can linger in the air for up to two hours.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 5 June 2025
That could be especially helpful with a highly contagious disease like measles, in which one infected person can quickly spread the virus to as many as 18 others.
—Alice Park, Time, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for contagious disease
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious disease
Noun
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But vaccinations have declined, resulting in a growing number of states no longer reporting rates consistent with herd immunity, and infections have returned.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
19 Aug. 2025
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Its latest update shows infections rising in the South and West, where experts say back-to-school season could add more pressure.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Septic shock results from a severe infection with a germ (e.g., bacteria, virus, fungus, or parasite).—
Colleen Doherty,
Verywell Health,
16 Aug. 2025
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Most countries that are polio-free today used this vaccine to stop the virus, including India — long thought to be the most difficult place to end polio.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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This greater understanding is now being explored as potential preventions or therapies for a wide range of diseases, from H5N1 bird flu and HIV to cancer.—
Simon Williams,
Time,
15 Aug. 2025
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Myths, folk tales, and negative media coverage mean people often link these flying mammals to vampires or blame them for disease outbreaks.—
Anna Tunkova,
CNN Money,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Wide receiver Jalen Coker (illness) stayed at the team hotel instead of attending the joint practice.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Aug. 2025
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Most people infected with West Nile do not feel sick, the CDC says, though about 1 in 5 people develop a fever and other flu-like symptoms and 1 in about 150 people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contagious disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagious%20disease. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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