1
as in infectious
exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others
the little girl's giggles were epidemic, and soon the entire gathering was laughing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 epidemic
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
An array of factors led to this, including the opioid epidemic, a shortage of affordable housing, and the elimination of psychiatric beds.
—Barbara A. Blair, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026
Byjon Cohen, science.org, 9 Dec. 2024
More than two millennia later, health officials are paying new attention to this old condition for a startling reason: myopia has reached epidemic levels worldwide.
—Gary Stix, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for epidemic
Noun
Indian hotelier Ashok Khanna founded the place as a response to epidemic stress levels, with a mission to rebalance holistically.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
An array of factors led to this, including the opioid epidemic, a shortage of affordable housing, and the elimination of psychiatric beds.
—Barbara A. Blair, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
But some researchers say the response should not be limited to the epidemic hot spots in big cities.
—Byjon Cohen, science.org, 9 Dec. 2024
More than two millennia later, health officials are paying new attention to this old condition for a startling reason: myopia has reached epidemic levels worldwide.
—Gary Stix, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for epidemic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epidemic
Noun
-
Years before the pandemic, the Fish brothers were driving around Fort Lauderdale looking for a gem.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The city still struggles with the fallout from the pandemic, when Downtown was hollowed out, property values and tax revenues fell and have never recovered.—
Andy Sheehan,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Dosa earned an Academy Award nomination for 2022’s Fire of Love, the story of vulcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft who furthered the world’s understanding of intense geological forces, but whose lives were claimed in a volcanic eruption.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Here’s what witnesses said about the eruption.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Haugh’s humility is infectious and authentic.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
-
The Grammy Award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerizing choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Bus accidents plague Nepal’s mountain regions, due to narrow roads, poorly maintained vehicles and difficult terrain.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
-
When viewers first met Robby, the man was a nervous wreck, lost in inescapable memories of the ER’s plague years.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Nam said the cause was not immediately known, but the blaze appeared to have spread rapidly, with witnesses reporting an explosion.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Heavy explosions shook Dubai early Friday as air defenses intercepted incoming fire over the city, where people were observing Eid al-Fitr, the end of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, and mosques made the day's first call to prayers.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
As an example, the celestial dog was thought to aid the sun in causing the intense heat, drought and pestilence of summer.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Famines, pestilence, crusades, and war.—
Greg Grandin
September 23,
Literary Hub,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The increase follows an upswing in arrests and deportations across the state.—
Mathew Miranda,
Sacbee.com,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Bailey Rae also dealt with tragedy in the midst of her upswing, as her husband Jason Rae passed away from an accidental overdose in 2008.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This is an increase from the 31 arrests made during the same period last year.—
Bri Buckley,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
-
That represents an increase of nearly 2,000 spectators per outing, which equates to a 7% rise compared with the same point in 2024-25.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Epidemic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epidemic. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
