ILLNESS Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

illness

noun

ˈil-nəs

Definition of illness

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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 illness While flu season may have come early, there's no evidence so far that the illness itself will be more severe or that there will be any unique symptoms, according to Chin-Hong. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 23 Oct. 2026 But genuinely funny moments are rare, badly outnumbered by done-to-death musings regarding the mysteries of being alive and torturous melodramatic moments in which Klara dully absorbs the severity of Josie’s illness and Chrissy’s sorrow. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 Klara is purchased for Josie, a lonely teenager with a mysterious illness, and goes to live with her on a remote estate in the country. — Alice Robb, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026 In appeals filings, the DOE’s lawyers have argued that factors other than work at Hanford played a role in the workers’ illnesses, including smoking, drinking, obesity or genetics. — Lizz Giordano, ProPublica, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for illness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for illness

Noun

At the time, Stratton was caring for her mother, who had Alzheimer’s disease.

— Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and can be fatal in humans if treatment is not received before symptoms develop.

— Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of disease

Noun

In these regions, the predominant ailments are HIV/AIDS, premature birth and birth trauma, congenital anomalies and injuries.

— Emilee Flynn, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026
Some may find the value to be limited, especially if their dog or cat breed is younger or less predisposed to suffer from medical issues or ailments.

— Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of ailment

Noun

Humor and/or wit feature in your work to address serious issues of the heart or to comment on the socio-political ills of the world.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026
Hilton has blasted Becerra as taking the state’s voters for granted, failing to hold public campaign events to explain his detailed plans to address California’s many ills.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of ill

Noun

Continue reading … -- IN OTHER NEWS BITING CONCERN — Southern state battles largest dengue fever outbreak in decades with hundreds infected.

— , FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Her symptoms included headache, hallucinations, vomiting, and a high fever, all symptoms of a rapidly expanding pituitary tumor, per the authors.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 Nov. 2026