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
She was also covered in urine scalding and her body was full of infection.
—
Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
In a new paper in Science, researchers describe a vaccine, given in four doses of nasal spray, that prevented mice from being infected by flu, COVID-19, SARS, and a bacterium that causes respiratory infections.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 6 Mar. 2026
Polio vaccines are safe and effective at preventing infection and severe illness.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 6 Mar. 2026
The National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS), part of the CDC, monitors samples of wastewater (sewage) for viruses and bacteria to detect infection patterns in communities.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for infection
Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
In a new paper in Science, researchers describe a vaccine, given in four doses of nasal spray, that prevented mice from being infected by flu, COVID-19, SARS, and a bacterium that causes respiratory infections.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 6 Mar. 2026
Polio vaccines are safe and effective at preventing infection and severe illness.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 6 Mar. 2026
The National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS), part of the CDC, monitors samples of wastewater (sewage) for viruses and bacteria to detect infection patterns in communities.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for infection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infection
Noun
-
The California Department of Public Health says, back on March 4, they were alerted by Sacramento County officials about a child with measles who may have exposed about 130 children to the virus.—
Cecilio Padilla,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
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The virus spreads via respiratory droplets and saliva through coughing, sneezing, talking or sharing eating utensils.—
Tanya Lewis,
Scientific American,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Be sure to pack an easy-to-carry water bottle, wipes to keep the germs away, and a portable battery to keep your phone camera going.—
Terri Peters,
Parents,
6 Mar. 2026
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Bathrooms are a high-traffic area in every home—and staying on top of germs and bacteria calls for a regular cleaning routine with frequent disinfecting.—
Nishaa Sharma,
The Spruce,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Infection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infection. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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