disease

noun

di-ˈzēz How to pronounce disease (audio)
Definition of diseasenext
as in illness
an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning they caught a rare disease while they were traveling in Africa and were sick for weeks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of disease This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 7 July 2026 The researchers noted that strength training may influence specific pathways related to coronary artery disease. — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 Shoots that are left to develop will lead to sprawling vines and bushy growth that can create airflow issues and possible diseases. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 July 2026 Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was found to have stage 1 of the degenerative brain disease CTE after a posthumous exam by Boston University researchers. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for disease
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disease
  1. illness
  2. ailment
  3. ill
  4. disorder
  5. fever
  6. condition
  7. sickness
Noun
  • Meanwhile, investigations into similar illnesses have been going on in 28 other states, including in Ohio, where people just across the Michigan border are also becoming sick.
    — Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
  • But then again, Rice is said to be suffering from illness, too.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of illness
Noun
  • The Red Sox are still waiting for full clarity on the lefties’ ailments, but for now the club has two holes to fill over the final week before the All-Star break.
    — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 7 July 2026
  • Vitello said the decision to pull Adames, who missed the last three games due to a back ailment, was precautionary.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
Definition of ailment
Noun
  • Hualde says that some Pamplona residents rue his early promotion of the festival due to the ills of overtourism the sleepy provincial city is now experiencing.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
  • That’s actually the theme of an essay that Masha Gessen, who writes often about Russia and its many ills, has asked.
    — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Definition of ill
Noun
  • For people coming out of shelters – especially those dealing with trauma, mental illness, or substance use disorder – that can make the difference between short-term housing and long-term stability.
    — Meg Dunn, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
  • Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause severe dizziness, ringing in the ears, hearing loss and ears feeling congested, according to the NIH.
    — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of disorder
Noun
  • About 20% of infected people will develop mild symptoms such as a fever, body aches and nausea.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • These 10 images capture just a taste of the maximalist fever dream that was Liberace’s home life.
    — Eleni N. Gage, Architectural Digest, 7 July 2026
Definition of fever
Noun
  • Researchers don’t know yet what exactly causes MS, a condition that is estimated to affect 1 million people in the country.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
  • Sessions generally run 60 to 90 minutes depending on the dog’s size, coat type and condition.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
Definition of condition
Noun
  • Tarrant County has reported fewer than five cases of the sickness, called cyclosporiasis, this year.
    — Rachel Royster July 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026
  • At the end of the day, both doctors agree that hotel stays shouldn’t deter people from traveling altogether, since there are always ways to proactively minimize exposure and subsequent sicknesses.
    — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
Definition of sickness

Phrases Containing disease

Browse Nearby Words

disdains
disease
diseased
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Cite this Entry

“Disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disease. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on disease

Nglish: Translation of disease for Spanish Speakers

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