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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 infection
Don’t wait for it to fester; chances are, like an infection, a legal issue will only get worse without attention.
—
Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
The patient was treated for a potential infection of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare, deadly brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, also known as the brain-eating amoeba.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025
Unfortunately, there are few visible signs of such infections that can be spotted by average consumers.
—Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
Three lots of a drug designed to treat various urinary tract infections have been recalled because the white round tablets might have black spots from microbial contamination.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for infection
Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
The patient was treated for a potential infection of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare, deadly brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, also known as the brain-eating amoeba.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025
Unfortunately, there are few visible signs of such infections that can be spotted by average consumers.
—Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025
Three lots of a drug designed to treat various urinary tract infections have been recalled because the white round tablets might have black spots from microbial contamination.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for infection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infection
Noun
-
The measles virus was recently detected in wastewater samples collected by the Sacramento Area Sewer District.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2025
-
The virus didn't originate in Hawaii, but was brought there by an infected traveler.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
After all, the more diverse the microbiome, the better we’re protected from germs, as a Stanford study shows.—
Desireé Oostland,
Vogue,
22 May 2025
-
It’s designed to capture nearly all (99.9%) airborne germs via its HEPA filter while a UV-C light reduces viruses and bacteria even in large spaces.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Infection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infection. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share