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infectious

adjective

in-ˈfek-shəs How to pronounce infectious (audio)
Definition of infectiousnext
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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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 infectious Barnett was known for his infectious personality, kindness and ability to make people smile. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 1 Sep. 2026 The portable machine uses pulses of full-spectrum ultraviolet light to kill infectious germs inside hospital rooms. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026 Multiple baby goats at a North Carolina mobile petting zoo had rabies and may have been in direct contact with people at events while infectious, state health officials said Friday. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 29 Aug. 2026 Parton wrote the movie’s infectious theme song — which earned her the first of two Oscar nominations — while on the set between shots. — Deborah Wilker, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for infectious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infectious
catching
Adjective
  • Instead, the Giants are making an even more shocking decision to ship Bailey, who will be eligible for arbitration for the first time this offseason, to the Guardians, who have their own crowded catching room between Bo Naylor and Austin Hedges.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 9 May 2026
  • Christian Vázquez, who replaced Diaz in the lineup Monday, figures to take on primary catching duties while Diaz is out.
    — Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 4 May 2026
Definition of catching

Browse Nearby Words

infection
infectious
infective
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Cite this Entry

“Infectious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infectious. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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