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
As much as Étienne is quiet and contained, Bartosz is fun and infectious — an upbeat party boy who happens to operate a 16-ton truck.
—
Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
The behavioral immune system, as scientists now call it, is a frontline defense, a set of psychological and physiological responses that detect and distance us from infectious threats before our biological immune system even has to get involved.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Many viruses can persist in semen for years, says Steven Bradfute, an immunologist at the University of New Mexico, and whether the pathogen remains infectious can vary from virus to virus.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 15 May 2026
Typically, only people with symptoms are considered infectious and symptoms can develop between four and 42 days of exposure to the virus.
—Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for infectious
Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
The behavioral immune system, as scientists now call it, is a frontline defense, a set of psychological and physiological responses that detect and distance us from infectious threats before our biological immune system even has to get involved.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Many viruses can persist in semen for years, says Steven Bradfute, an immunologist at the University of New Mexico, and whether the pathogen remains infectious can vary from virus to virus.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 15 May 2026
Typically, only people with symptoms are considered infectious and symptoms can develop between four and 42 days of exposure to the virus.
—Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for infectious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infectious
catching
Adjective
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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
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The Braves gained four years and millions of dollars by substituting Olson for Freeman at first base – even though one of those traded was slugging catching prospect Shea Langeliers.—
Dan Schlossberg,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Infectious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infectious. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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