INFECTIVE Synonyms: 9 Similar and Opposite Words

infective

adjective

Definition of infective

as in infectious

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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 infective On July 30, Ray updated her fans again, revealing her diagnosis of infective endocarditis, a severe heart infection. — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 31 July 2024 People typically get malaria by being bitten by an infective female Anopheles mosquito. — Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 5 Oct. 2023 The parasite becomes infective one to five days after it is passed in the feces of the cat. — Joe Mutascio, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Aug. 2023 Symptoms usually appear seven to 30 days after an infective bite and include high fever, chills, body aches, diarrhea and vomiting, Maryland health department officials said. — Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 19 Aug. 2023 See All Example Sentences for infective

Recent Examples of Synonyms for infective

infectious

Adjective

Symptoms can appear between two and 21 days after exposure, and people are generally not infectious before symptoms begin.

— Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026
Viral particles can spread through the air and remain infectious for up to two hours, even after an infected person leaves the area.

— Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of infectious

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infectious

infective

infects

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“Infective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infective. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of infective

adjective

Example Sentences

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