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
And Satou Sabally, who bolted Phoenix for New York this offseason, didn’t play in the matchup due to illness.
—
Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026
The vaccine is 80% effective at preventing illness and highly effective in lessening symptoms.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 28 May 2026
Repeat, sustained exposure is generally considered necessary for serious illness to develop.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Busch continued to race — and win — while dealing with an illness in the weeks leading up to his death.
—Alex Andrejev, New York Times, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for illness
Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026
The vaccine is 80% effective at preventing illness and highly effective in lessening symptoms.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 28 May 2026
Repeat, sustained exposure is generally considered necessary for serious illness to develop.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 28 May 2026
Busch continued to race — and win — while dealing with an illness in the weeks leading up to his death.
—Alex Andrejev, New York Times, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for illness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illness
Noun
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But some researchers who were involved in the network say the cuts weakened relationships with experts abroad that had been fostered over years, undercutting research collaborations on dangerous diseases like Ebola.—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
3 June 2026
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The company also flags baseline cardiac disease, abnormal ECG, arrhythmia, prior cervical vagotomy, abnormal cervical anatomy, brain tumor or aneurysm history, head trauma, syncope, seizures and nickel allergy as unevaluated risks.—
Samantha Agate,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
Noun
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The test is whether MAHA can force government to stop subsidizing, shielding, and defending the industries that profit from sickness.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
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Deborah doesn’t want sickness to tarnish her legacy.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Those advocating for a fundamental reset — including Newsom, businesses, cities and counties — say a cottage industry of consultants and attorneys have morphed the claim process to include common ailments such as high blood pressure and toenail fungus.—
Joe Rubin,
Sacbee.com,
28 May 2026
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Not only that, but Jill said physical ailments were also taking their toll on the career politician.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
Noun
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Blaming the Cubs’ ills on off-the-field issues is entertaining and keeps some sportswriters employed well past their expiration date.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2026
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The catalog of ills is familiar.—
Danielle Allen,
The Atlantic,
21 May 2026
Noun
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The most common symptoms are diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
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Early signs such as fever or weakness can resemble other viruses, before progressing to diarrhea and vomiting.—
Jane Weaver,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illness. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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