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

Sofia and Eleanor Coppola began working on the commemorative documentary together while quarantining together during 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic, with Sofia ultimately finishing the film following her mother’s death. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026 The shot is the first flu vaccine made with the mRNA technology that was key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic. — Mike Stobbe, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

Adjective

That support included participating in the scheme; fundraising, mostly from recipients of pandemic-era government loans; arranging travel to Haiti and lodging for Sanon, Intriago and Solages and two dozen Colombian commandos. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026 With wars and climate catastrophes hitting a world still reeling from 7 million deaths caused by COVID-19, Shelley’s pandemic novel has perhaps never felt so relevant. — Eileen Hunt, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pandemic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pandemic

Noun

Preventing a permanent epidemic The surge in cases has led to an influx of foreign aid to support new HIV testing, prevention and treatment programs.

— David Cox, NPR, 26 Sep. 2026
Paul Melanson, a POST member and chief of police in Farmington, said an epidemic years ago of thieves stealing cars and catalytic converters from suburban driveways fueled demands that police quickly embrace surveillance technology.

— Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of epidemic

Adjective

And despite the pervasive use of AI as a tool throughout the competition, its only contribution to the winning team was to write an upload script.

— Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026
Stereotypes keep people from treatment Hollywood’s impact is so pervasive, experts say, that inaccurate depictions of narcolepsy can even affect whether patients seek treatment.

— Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of pervasive

Adjective

But these approaches didn’t feel right for Blow Yourself Up, because while other media are prevalent, the story is told in traditional prose through sequential scenes.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Scholars refer to this increasingly prevalent problem as cognitive offloading.

— Monideepa Tarafdar, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of prevalent

Adjective

The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC) shared a few general tips as well, including hard work and dedication, having good soil and one fruit per plant.

— Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2026
Fox News earlier reported the new reductions, which could include any one-star general or above or officer of equivalent Navy rank.

— Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of general

Adjective

According to Rowbottom, Jumbo’s is rife for literary inspiration.

— Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
But coming just four months after the October 7th Hamas attack, tensions were high, misinformation was rife, and Israel’s decades-long conflation of anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism had burrowed deep into the Western psyche.

— Jay Weissberg, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of rife

Adjective

But Milei is trying to recast Argentina as a destination for foreign wealth, slashing public spending, dismantling regulations and courting investment in the country's vast oil and mineral resources.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
Decisions about industrial policy, infrastructure, public spending, and competition increasingly have to account not only for emissions but climate risk.

— Justin Worland, Time, 3 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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“Pandemic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pandemic. Accessed 3 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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