as in spreading
exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others
an infectious giggle that got the whole class laughing
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Recent Examples of infectious
First, pandemic and infectious-disease surveillance must continue to be the CDC’s top priority.
—
Charles J. Lockwood, STAT, 31 Mar. 2026
Resort manager Puspa, born in a small village on the east of Bali, can tell you everything there is to know about the local traditions, while farm manager Wayan’s passion for sustainable agriculture is infectious.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Its infectious sound led to producer Clive Davis signing Scott-Heron to Arista Records in 1975.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Mar. 2026
That said, whole-virus vaccines can cause more unpleasant side effects, and in rare cases, weakened live pathogens can redevelop infectious capability.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for infectious
Charles J. Lockwood, STAT, 31 Mar. 2026
Resort manager Puspa, born in a small village on the east of Bali, can tell you everything there is to know about the local traditions, while farm manager Wayan’s passion for sustainable agriculture is infectious.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Its infectious sound led to producer Clive Davis signing Scott-Heron to Arista Records in 1975.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Mar. 2026
That said, whole-virus vaccines can cause more unpleasant side effects, and in rare cases, weakened live pathogens can redevelop infectious capability.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for infectious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infectious
catching
Adjective
-
He’s worn special catching gear to celebrate his heritage.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Teel and Edgar Quero had been in line to handle a bulk of the catching duties this season, with Lee another option.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Infectious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infectious. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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