as in virus
an abnormal state caused by contact with harmful organisms (such as bacteria or viruses)
There is a viral infection spreading among the schoolchildren.
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Recent Examples of infection
Because sporotrichosis is caused by a fungal infection, antibiotics do not work to treat it.
—
Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
In 1981, when young men started dying of strange infections, there was no surveillance system to connect the dots.
—Robert B. Shpiner, STAT, 13 Feb. 2026
If left untreated, infections can be fatal.
—Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Feb. 2026
The measles virus is attacking the cells that line her lungs and suppressing her immune system, rendering her vulnerable to secondary infections.
—Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for infection
Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
In 1981, when young men started dying of strange infections, there was no surveillance system to connect the dots.
—Robert B. Shpiner, STAT, 13 Feb. 2026
If left untreated, infections can be fatal.
—Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Feb. 2026
The measles virus is attacking the cells that line her lungs and suppressing her immune system, rendering her vulnerable to secondary infections.
—Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for infection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infection
Noun
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Your daughter is at school cutting alphabet shapes out of paper when the virus enters her bloodstream.—
Elizabeth Bruenig,
The Atlantic,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Those issues included the BK virus, a flu-like polyomavirus, which resulted in both cellular and antibody rejection.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Unwashed Leafy Greens While all produce can become contaminated with harmful germs, leafy greens are especially susceptible.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
10 Feb. 2026
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Refined grains have been processed to remove the bran (the fiber-rich outer layer) and germ (the sprout).—
Brianna Tobritzhofer,
Health,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Infection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infection. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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