1
as in disease
an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning
suffered from a mysterious illness that left her weak and tired all the time
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sickness
the condition of not being in good health
prone to illness as a child, he was sent to a western ranch with the expectation that it would toughen him up
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illness
Residents should consider limiting their time outdoors, especially young children, older adults and those with heart disease or respiratory illnesses, according to the advisories.
—
Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2025
At the beginning, epidemiologists were unable to identify the source of the illnesses.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2025
She's battled many illnesses, but her health is much better now, and the disease is undetectable.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025
Qualifying conditions are narrowly defined to include treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, substance use disorder, and terminal illness.
—Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illness
Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2025
At the beginning, epidemiologists were unable to identify the source of the illnesses.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2025
She's battled many illnesses, but her health is much better now, and the disease is undetectable.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025
Qualifying conditions are narrowly defined to include treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, substance use disorder, and terminal illness.
—Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illness
Noun
-
This greater understanding is now being explored as potential preventions or therapies for a wide range of diseases, from H5N1 bird flu and HIV to cancer.—
Simon Williams,
Time,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Myths, folk tales, and negative media coverage mean people often link these flying mammals to vampires or blame them for disease outbreaks.—
Anna Tunkova,
CNN Money,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Minor gastrointestinal discomfort is probably the most common symptom; however, pathogens that may cause only minor sickness in some people may cause serious conditions or death in others, especially in the very young, old, or those with weakened immune systems.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Although Perrin had experienced sickness with her previous pregnancies, this one hit differently.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Emergency room doctors see the worst-case scenarios, the weird fluke accidents, the mysterious ailments and miraculous recoveries.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
4 Aug. 2025
-
His ailment isn’t known. — Edge rusher Mo Kamara, who left Friday’s practice, returned.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The Copper Boyz know all too well about the ills that plague the city.—
Dominick Williams
August 10,
Kansas City Star,
10 Aug. 2025
-
Despite his humane pose, Gunn has found a way to revive America’s social ills.—
Armond White,
National Review,
18 July 2025
Noun
-
Be alert for fever, headache and fatigue, which could signal infection.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Wills, who was previously able to move with the assistance of a mobility device, to participate in physical therapy and eat meals normally, soon developed a fever, pain and had difficulty speaking, according to the suit.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illness. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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