PANDEMIC Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

pandemic 1 of 2

noun

Definition of pandemic

as in epidemic

medical an occurrence in which a disease spreads very quickly and affects a large number of people over a wide area or throughout the world The 1918 flu pandemic claimed millions of lives. the AIDS pandemic

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pandemic

2 of 2

adjective

as in widespread

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Dissimilar Words

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 pandemic

Noun

Advertisement Per the Constitution, the federal government has carried out a national census every decade since 1790—through wars, depressions, and pandemics. — Julie Morita, Time, 25 Oct. 2026 Related Stories Evans, who first came across Day’s novel as a lockdown read during the Covid pandemic, was instrumental in bringing the series to screen and in getting Sarah Solemani to adapt it (Solemani also plays his wife, Lucy, in the show). — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026

Adjective

Until the pandemic ended, public health concerns would understandably keep people away from crowded venues and non-essential travel. — Davis Noell, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026 English and math scores across Sacramento’s largest school districts remain below pre-pandemic levels, with fewer than half of students meeting state standards. — Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pandemic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pandemic

Noun

In parts of society or in businesses, AI could exacerbate existing weaknesses, like extreme income inequality and the loneliness epidemic.

— Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Michelle is working to cope with the recurring US epidemic of gun violence on school campuses.

— Taylor Galgano, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of epidemic

Adjective

That sentiment is even stronger now than in 2022, when Lula benefited from widespread opposition to Jair Bolsonaro after a presidency marked by controversy over his government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
Together, these approaches transformed the fight against a disease that once caused widespread paralysis and outbreaks, particularly among children.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of widespread

Adjective

The magnitude of funding being poured into AI ads is not just evidence of how consequential this election cycle is, but also how pervasive artificial intelligence has become in content creation.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Given that the dynamic between Europe and Russia is now characterized by pervasive mutual suspicion, conspiracy theories, and expectations of war, there is a growing danger of inadvertent escalation.

— Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of pervasive

Adjective

Among the many reports the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have had to contend with since moving to the UK, that has been one of the more prevalent ones.

— StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 22 Oct. 2026
For Jones, the most prevalent conversation starter is current-day prejudices.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of prevalent

Adjective

Jason Reynolds, Lockheed Martin’s vice president and general manager of Integrated Air and Missile Defense, described RIG-360 as critical to PAC-3 operations and in-flight performance.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
Vance has faced general questions about his association with Carlson, a former Fox News host who faced backlash last year for interviewing antisemite Nick Fuentes on his podcast.

— Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of general

Adjective

Protests last week devolved into mayhem, with people setting fires, storming public buildings, smashing shop windows, looting and clashing with police.

— ELITSA GADEVA, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
In June, the district attorney’s office filed public nuisance lawsuits intended to shut down two motels, Super 7 Inn and Delux Inn, on South Freeway in Fort Worth that are beset by crime.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of public

Adjective

The group noted the projection was revised upward from an earlier estimate owing to an additional year in the budget window and higher prevailing interest rates.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
Likewise, prevailing concepts of Hamlet at the time cast the prince as a wan and melancholic, leading critics to bristle at Bernhardt’s energy.

— Betsy Golden Kellem, JSTOR Daily, 18 Mar. 2026

Definition of prevailing

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pandemic

pandemics

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Style

“Pandemic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pandemic. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pandemic

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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A Guide to Coronavirus-Related Words

'Pandemic' vs. 'Epidemic' vs. 'Endemic'

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