as in spreading
exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others
an infectious giggle that got the whole class laughing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of infectious
The energy was infectious, and the crowd still sang along, bouncing their shoulders and bopping their heads.
—
Christopher Harris, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
For months, this young, rambunctious, and altogether infectious bunch played with house money, thumbing their collective noses at the idea of another year of rebuild futility.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
During their infectious period, the person visited several locations — where other people were likely exposed to the virus, DPH said.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
Measles is a highly infectious but preventable disease with symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, which are followed by a rash that starts several days later on the face and spreads.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for infectious
Christopher Harris, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
For months, this young, rambunctious, and altogether infectious bunch played with house money, thumbing their collective noses at the idea of another year of rebuild futility.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
During their infectious period, the person visited several locations — where other people were likely exposed to the virus, DPH said.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
Measles is a highly infectious but preventable disease with symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, which are followed by a rash that starts several days later on the face and spreads.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for infectious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infectious
catching
Adjective
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MacIver, who got 33 games of experience last year with the A’s, will likely be the Rangers’ third catching option this season behind Kyle Higashioka and Danny Jansen.—
Evan Grant,
Dallas Morning News,
13 Feb. 2026
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With that much catching experience, he was bound to be a manager, and he’s been working with Rockies prospects in the low minors for 10 years.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Infectious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infectious. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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