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

The ecommerce upstart, which quickly outstripped legacy rivals like H&M and Zara in online apparel sales during the pandemic, saw its New York, then London, listing aspirations unravel amid mounting regulatory and political scrutiny. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026 Healthcare staffing shortages came to light during the pandemic, but continue to pose a challenge years later. — Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Since the pandemic, traditional lecture attendance has cratered, but active learning has been shown to significantly improve both turnout and long-term retention. — Jason Corso, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 Which meant that masks were always going to be useless, as pre-pandemic planning research had already confirmed. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pandemic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pandemic

Noun

But the country’s kidnapping epidemic has been overwhelmingly felt by Haitians, with gangs notorious for taking victims from among even the very poor.

— Etant Dupain, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
The Guatemalan epidemic has been traced back to a gathering in Santiago Atitlán in December 2025 that was organized by a Christian megachurch whose leaders have been vocal about their anti-vaccine views.

— Kathryn H. Jacobsen, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of epidemic

Adjective

But this type of [toxic] female figure is a widespread archetype even in other places and parts of the world.

— Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Shah was sworn in in March on a promise to clean up national politics and address widespread grievances at the lack of opportunities for young people in Nepal, which relies on remittances sent home by migrant workers for around a quarter of its GDP.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of widespread

Adjective

But sometimes the pervasive nature of social media can hold its own kind of inspiration.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026
Summary Women's health and FemTech companies face significant business constraints due to pervasive stigma, hindering their access to capital, advertising, and even basic banking services.

— Rachel Braun Scherl, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of pervasive

Adjective

More people are becoming pregnant at older ages; obesity has become more prevalent among those of reproductive age; and there are more twin, triplet and other multiple births.

— Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
The most prevalent use of electric transportation is on the road, with more than 150,000 electric vehicles sold so far this year in California, according to the California Energy Commission.

— Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of prevalent

Adjective

Diaper qualities and features Some general diaper selection factors to consider are cost, softness, absorbency, fit, fragrance, ingredients and environmental friendliness.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
His agents, Matt and Ryan Keator, wisely held off on engaging in serious negotiations with the Ducks and general manager Pat Verbeek throughout the year while recognizing the uncertainty of an evolving NHL marketplace fueled by a surging salary cap.

— Chris Johnston, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of general

Adjective

In a country where poverty is rife and malnutrition strikes the most vulnerable, such income losses can be critical.

— ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026
The impetus for this work, according to the researchers, is that drug-resistant bacteria are rife and growing.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of rife

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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pancakes

pandemic

pandemics

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Style

“Pandemic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pandemic. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of pandemic

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year 2020

A Guide to Coronavirus-Related Words

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

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