as in illnesses
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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Recent Examples of diseases
Rotating crops helps minimize pests and diseases.
—
Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2026
When consumed in excess, salt can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2026
Measles also lingers in rooms longer than many other diseases, Weber added.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2026
This includes destructive cells such as cancerous cells, making oregano oil useful in preventing heart disease, cancer and many other diseases.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Other diseases that commonly affect hollies include leaf spots, root rots, and powdery mildew.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
Deaths from neurological diseases saw the biggest increase with exposure to these particulates.
—CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
The development of antibiotics, vaccines and advanced surgical techniques has virtually eliminated many diseases that once killed thousands annually.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Nano-rare is a term coined by Crooke to describe diseases that are extremely rare — affecting between one and 30 people worldwide.
—Leanne Miller, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2026
When consumed in excess, salt can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2026
Measles also lingers in rooms longer than many other diseases, Weber added.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2026
This includes destructive cells such as cancerous cells, making oregano oil useful in preventing heart disease, cancer and many other diseases.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Other diseases that commonly affect hollies include leaf spots, root rots, and powdery mildew.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
Deaths from neurological diseases saw the biggest increase with exposure to these particulates.
—CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
The development of antibiotics, vaccines and advanced surgical techniques has virtually eliminated many diseases that once killed thousands annually.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Nano-rare is a term coined by Crooke to describe diseases that are extremely rare — affecting between one and 30 people worldwide.
—Leanne Miller, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diseases
Noun
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Artemis astronauts leave quarantine Delaying the mission until March means the astronauts have exited quarantine at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, which is protocol ahead of spaceflights to ensure crews avoid exposure to illnesses.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
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One of the illnesses that can be especially serious for young children is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).—
Michael Cromer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In recent weeks, Doncic has grappled with ankle and groin ailments as well; the wear-and-tear of the season emerging just before the All-Star break.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
7 Feb. 2026
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The spice's active compound, curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can help support a range of ailments and conditions.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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From the moment the kids set foot back at school in the fall, until some time around spring break, parents can expect sicknesses to take over their homes faster than the latest viral slang expression.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
10 Jan. 2026
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And among parents, the fear of illnesses like polio, measles and other sicknesses were always present.—
Romy Ellenbogen,
Miami Herald,
18 Dec. 2025
Noun
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The conductor added that opera not only reveals societal ills but can model what an ideal society can look like.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
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During the 1980s, both tabloids pandered to the racial resentments and fears of white New Yorkers when covering all of the city’s ills.—
Heather Ann Thompson,
The Atlantic,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Under normal conditions, these signals go straight to the robot’s central processing unit.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Feb. 2026
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No matter the conditions, our officers are always ready to answer the call.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Substance use disorders are not often resolved in isolation.—
Washington Post,
Washington Post,
10 Feb. 2026
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The findings help explain why people respond differently to the same infections and treatments, researchers said, and could be the first step toward future personalized therapies that can prevent disorders or expedite recovery.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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On the other hand, fevers, arm soreness, and other side effects of routine vaccination are quite visible to individual clinicians.—
Robert M. Califf,
STAT,
6 Feb. 2026
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Born healthy, Shiloh thrived through infancy until, around 18 months, unexplained fevers began to appear.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
USA Today,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Diseases.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diseases. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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