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
Once serious infection sets in, amputating a foot or limb may be the only option to save a patient’s life.
—
Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Symptoms start anywhere from 12 hours to three days after infection and last four to seven days.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026
Because the tree itself resists infection, growers can reduce chemical sprays, lower costs, improve working conditions and help stabilize the supply of Florida citrus.
—Paul Meador, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2026
The pastor was said to have died of a severe abdominal infection, which could have been a manifestation of Ebola.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for infection
Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
Symptoms start anywhere from 12 hours to three days after infection and last four to seven days.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026
Because the tree itself resists infection, growers can reduce chemical sprays, lower costs, improve working conditions and help stabilize the supply of Florida citrus.
—Paul Meador, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2026
The pastor was said to have died of a severe abdominal infection, which could have been a manifestation of Ebola.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for infection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infection
Noun
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An Idaho man who died of rabies passed the virus to another man through a kidney transplant, marking the fourth known instance in the country in nearly half a century where rabies was transmitted from an organ donor to a recipient.—
Angela Palermo,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Dec. 2025
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Since 1991, the CDC has recommended universally vaccinating all infants against hepatitis B, a virus that can cause irreversible liver damage, at birth.—
Elizabeth B. Kim,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
11 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
There's the bran, the germ, and the endosperm.—
Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 Dec. 2025
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Mittens and gloves should always be washed after someone has been sick to prevent the transmission of germs or viruses.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Infection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infection. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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