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
Lincoln County measles case Wednesday, the Lincoln County Health Department was notified of an unvaccinated person who tested positive for the highly contagious disease.
—
Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 7 Feb. 2026
Advocates and medical experts warn that a highly contagious disease spreading inside a crowded facility housing young children — some already medically vulnerable — poses an acute public-health risk.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 6 Feb. 2026
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that is marked by a distinct rash and a fever.
—Chris Mueller, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 5 Feb. 2026
Virginia public health officials are warning of possible exposure to measles after a passenger with the highly contagious disease recently traveled through Dulles Airport.
—Jenna Portnoy, Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contagious disease
Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 7 Feb. 2026
Advocates and medical experts warn that a highly contagious disease spreading inside a crowded facility housing young children — some already medically vulnerable — poses an acute public-health risk.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 6 Feb. 2026
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that is marked by a distinct rash and a fever.
—Chris Mueller, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 5 Feb. 2026
Virginia public health officials are warning of possible exposure to measles after a passenger with the highly contagious disease recently traveled through Dulles Airport.
—Jenna Portnoy, Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contagious disease
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious disease
Noun
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Phillips previously had a kidney transplant in 2017, but subsequent complications — including an infection called the BK virus — eventually resulted in both cellular and antibody rejection.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
28 Feb. 2026
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Emma Operacz Operacz was treated and discharged again, but infections, migraines and other ailments kept bringing her back.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Zakhidova said the virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person, contaminated food or water, and contaminated surfaces.—
Steven Rosenbaum,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
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When cells do finally respond, there’s a lot more virus to fight, and the effects can be much more damaging.—
Veronique Greenwood,
Time,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Detainees have described a camp where an average of about 3,000 people per day live in loud and unsanitary quarters, diseases spread easily and sleep is a luxury.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Mar. 2026
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That same month, Stewart, who had dedicated his career to ticks and Lyme disease as a federal scientist, retired early.—
Rachana Pradhan,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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After falling behind early in camp due to an illness, Sheehan made his first appearance in the Cactus League Wednesday against Team Mexico.—
Jack Vita,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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When faced with a patient suffering from an illness, many nurses err on the side of prescribing something.—
Jonathan Lambert,
NPR,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contagious disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagious%20disease. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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