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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contagious
Health and wildlife officials urge beachgoers to keep a safe distance from wildlife and keep dogs leashed because the virus is contagious.
—
Susanne Rust
follow, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
And studies have consistently found that when vaccinated people do contract measles, their cases are much milder and potentially less contagious than unvaccinated cases.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
Visitor restrictions began in late December because of a rise in respiratory viruses such as COVID, the flu and RSV, a contagious infection that attacks the respiratory tract.
—Chase Jordan
february 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026
Plus, her outgoing nature and positivity were incredibly contagious.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Susanne Rust
follow, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
And studies have consistently found that when vaccinated people do contract measles, their cases are much milder and potentially less contagious than unvaccinated cases.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
Visitor restrictions began in late December because of a rise in respiratory viruses such as COVID, the flu and RSV, a contagious infection that attacks the respiratory tract.
—Chase Jordan
february 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026
Plus, her outgoing nature and positivity were incredibly contagious.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious
Adjective
-
What captivated me – beyond Liu’s command of the ice – was her infectious sense of joy.—
Steven P. Dinkin,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Mar. 2026
-
The joy of everyone on stage was infectious.—
Jake Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Feb. 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
Cite this Entry
“Contagious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagious. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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