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
The dad of seven, 38, shared that the Bringing Up Bates star, 34, has gone into septic shock following a severe UTI and kidney infection one week after welcoming her seventh baby.
—
Kayla Grant, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines each contain mRNA, which instructs cells to manufacture the coronavirus spike protein, simulating infection with the virus.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Also, the reliance on RATs might have missed some asymptomatic COVID infections.
—New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2025
But the drugs can cause side effects such as upper respiratory infections, fatigue, nausea and gastrointestinal issues.
—Jia H. Jung, Mercury News, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for infection
Kayla Grant, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines each contain mRNA, which instructs cells to manufacture the coronavirus spike protein, simulating infection with the virus.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Also, the reliance on RATs might have missed some asymptomatic COVID infections.
—New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2025
But the drugs can cause side effects such as upper respiratory infections, fatigue, nausea and gastrointestinal issues.
—Jia H. Jung, Mercury News, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for infection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infection
Noun
-
The Browns are a virus for seasonal depression.—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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The virus, which is spread by bodily fluids, is endemic in animal populations in Central and West Africa, and there are periodic outbreaks.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Louisville is the home of modern water filtration As science advanced, water officials became more aware of the germs and bacteria that live in the water.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
4 Sep. 2025
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The Center for Disease Control and Prevention said those with health problems or taking medicines that affect their ability to fight germs should check with their healthcare provider before swimming in the ocean or other natural bodies of water.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Infection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infection. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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