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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illness
The breadth of last year's cluster of illnesses stemming from Texas prompted the upcoming review by PAHO.
—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
Public health often operates quietly — preventing illness, protecting communities, and conducting research that rarely makes headlines.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
It is emphasized for players who return from an injury or illness.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2026
After missing six games due to illness and a return-to-play ramp-up, Williams came off the bench and scored 15 points in 24 minutes, hitting three 3s and grabbing two steals.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illness
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
Public health often operates quietly — preventing illness, protecting communities, and conducting research that rarely makes headlines.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
It is emphasized for players who return from an injury or illness.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2026
After missing six games due to illness and a return-to-play ramp-up, Williams came off the bench and scored 15 points in 24 minutes, hitting three 3s and grabbing two steals.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for illness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illness
Noun
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In those participants, the disease was not associated with any changes in brain size or evidence of damage.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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During an appearance on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday, Horton took the time to promote a charity seeking to raise funds for the organization Pancreatic Cancer UK, while also sharing a sweet tribute to the late Harry Potter star, who died from the disease in 2016 at age 69.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Washing sheets in hot water every time isn’t necessary for linens that are lightly soiled—think no sweaty nights or sickness.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
22 Jan. 2026
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Boost immunity with vitamin D 🤧 Vitamin C isn’t your only secret weapon against winter sickness.—
Abby Norman,
Verywell Health,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
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To Camarda, the heat shield problem is one symptom of a widespread ailment plaguing NASA that took root in the shuttle era.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
23 Jan. 2026
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Not all ailments are alike, naturally.—
Jamie Holmes,
Twin Cities,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Winning tends to cure a lot of ills, and the Hornets hit the road this week with two recent home victories to their credit.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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As a result of her work with AMRs, Wise avoids framing humanoids as some sort of industrial panacea for every economic ill, from labor shortages to manufacturing bottlenecks.—
James Vincent,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, Olympic fever is rising in Italy.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
23 Jan. 2026
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Measles symptoms include rash, fever, fatigue.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illness. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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