as in diseases
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
Relevance
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 illnesses
As a result, illnesses commonly spread via milk became less prevalent.
—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
Over half of the illnesses are in children younger than 5.
—ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
But that pattern of inequality was roughly consistent across space, unlike the sharp modern gaps between countries, and even kings and popes died of illnesses and suffered from toothaches like everyone else.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
Injuries and illnesses are frequently ignored or treated as obstacles to productivity.
—Jay Ganglani, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026
Some of the new ticks moving toward the area also carry new illnesses.
—Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
When people are scared to see their primary doctor for routine care like asthma check-ups with inhaler refills, illnesses advance and require more intense healthcare utilization.
—Dr. Lauren Palladino, Hartford Courant, 22 Mar. 2026
From a health economics perspective, data shows that the downstream costs of treating vaccine-preventable illnesses are much higher than the cost of reimbursing vaccines, so insurance companies may be motivated to continue covering them.
—Katrine L. Wallace, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
Health officials said no illnesses linked to the spill have been reported in Maryland, adding that drinking water systems remain unaffected.
—Mathew Schumer, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2026
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
Over half of the illnesses are in children younger than 5.
—ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
But that pattern of inequality was roughly consistent across space, unlike the sharp modern gaps between countries, and even kings and popes died of illnesses and suffered from toothaches like everyone else.
—Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
Injuries and illnesses are frequently ignored or treated as obstacles to productivity.
—Jay Ganglani, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026
Some of the new ticks moving toward the area also carry new illnesses.
—Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026
When people are scared to see their primary doctor for routine care like asthma check-ups with inhaler refills, illnesses advance and require more intense healthcare utilization.
—Dr. Lauren Palladino, Hartford Courant, 22 Mar. 2026
From a health economics perspective, data shows that the downstream costs of treating vaccine-preventable illnesses are much higher than the cost of reimbursing vaccines, so insurance companies may be motivated to continue covering them.
—Katrine L. Wallace, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
Health officials said no illnesses linked to the spill have been reported in Maryland, adding that drinking water systems remain unaffected.
—Mathew Schumer, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illnesses
Noun
-
Supplements can’t claim to treat specific diseases or medical conditions.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
There are over 10,000 rare diseases — 95% of which don't have a cure.—
Brad Quick,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Both ailments required offseason surgery.—
Doug Padilla,
Oc Register,
29 Mar. 2026
-
These bacteria are known to cause a host of ailments, including listeriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, Guillain-Barré syndrome, miscarriage, brucellosis, chronic inflammatory conditions, reactive arthritis and death.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The symptoms of our darkest cultural sicknesses become visible.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Mar. 2026
-
From the moment the kids set foot back at school in the fall, until some time around spring break, parents can expect sicknesses to take over their homes faster than the latest viral slang expression.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In his songs, the Virginia rapper renders societal ills in high definition.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The first New Mexico trial on the ills and dangers of social media platforms began in February after a nearly three-year probe by the state.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Others welcome the review, pointing to adverse reactions that have been reported among babies who got the shots, including fevers, seizures and even some deaths.—
March 25,
NPR,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Following the diagnosis, Urso, 40, began treatment that has included extended hospital stays, fevers and rigorous chemotherapy sessions.—
Daniel I. Dorfman,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The strong wind, combined with the dry air and dry brush on the ground, creates conditions for an elevated wildfire threat.—
March 28,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Check airport conditions early and often, including official websites and social media accounts where airports share timely updates and guidance, according to experts.—
John Raby,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illnesses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illnesses. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
