pandemic 1 of 2

Definition of pandemicnext
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

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
Both theaters became fixtures in their respective communities, and both brothers helped their audiences find solace during the uncertain days of the pandemic. — David Morton, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026 That was true for paramedic Brian Merklin, who was working for a different service in Nevada during the pandemic. — Elaine Appleton-Grant, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026
Adjective
In 1832, when a cholera pandemic reached New York City, clergy called for a national day of fasting and prayer. — Jim Downs, STAT, 30 Oct. 2026 When the company shifted to fully remote work during the pandemic, leaders saw a 37% increase in productivity based on key metrics, including course development, product development and sales. — Adithyan Rk, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pandemic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pandemic
Noun
  • This is already the second-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded, after the 2014-16 epidemic.
    — Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026
  • In contrast to loneliness’s 2023 diagnosis as a modern behavioral epidemic, there’s a growing trend of midlife women flipping the script and choosing to be alone.
    — Cheryl Fenton, Flow Space, 5 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • There were no stories of voter intimidation, no allegations of widespread fraud or false certification.
    — James D. Zirin, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • As for obstacles, experts nodded to persistent bottlenecks in shelter beds reserved for domestic violence survivors and legal support options, financial limitations, especially as pandemic-era federal funding dries up, and widespread access to guns.
    — Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Like Gutiérrez, many Peruvian Christians believed that the Shining Path drew support because of pervasive poverty and inequality, and that churches could help transform the nation.
    — Eben Levey, The Conversation, 6 Nov. 2026
  • But now, after El-Sayed’s defeat of GOP rival Mike Rogers was confirmed early Wednesday, there is a pervasive sense that a broader victory is at hand.
    — Jacqueline GaNun, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • While companies like Target have eliminated PP from their denim production, the chemical is still prevalent across the industry.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Extreme heat exacerbates underlying health conditions that tend to be more prevalent in communities of color where rates of chronic respiratory and cardiovascular disease are higher than the Chicago average, according to city data.
    — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The amendment would’ve increased the fund’s cap to 25% of general revenue collections.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
  • If the bond passes, Walsh said money in the district’s general fund can be used for teacher raises.
    — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Speculation is rife about how Chancellor John Healey will attempt to balance the books in his first Autumn Budget.
    — Marc Shoffman, TheWeek, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In a time where hatred and division are rife, this is a festival of love.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Accessibility All public areas, including the main entrance, pool area, spa, fitness center, restaurants, and meeting spaces have accessible routes.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
  • OpenAI competitor Anthropic, which is planning to go public this month, highlighted the issue in its prospectus, even though the Claude creator prohibits children from using its product.
    — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
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

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Cite this Entry

“Pandemic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pandemic. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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