as in epidemics
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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Recent Examples of pandemics
In healthcare, agents might be tasked with coordinating patient care across numerous services, continuously staying up-to-date on relevant studies around treatment and medication, and autonomously tracking and responding to pandemics and public health issues.
—
Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
And when the nation grapples with political divisions, civil unrest, social change or pandemics, these public lands – whether technically national parks or other elements in the wider system – are debated and fought over, protested in and used as an example.
—Jeffrey C. Hallo, The Conversation, 4 Sep. 2025
Life expectancy can be impacted by pandemics, new medical treatments and societal changes, the researchers said, but these factors can’t be predicted in these long-term models.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025
Unlike conventional pandemics that eventually burn out or succumb to medical intervention, this biological invasion would effectively start an alternative trajectory of evolution, with mirror life now adding to all existing living systems.
—Liyam Chitayat, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
The research shows that pandemics aren’t unique catastrophes from the bygone era but recurring biological events tied to human gathering, movement, and environmental shifts.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2025
This system isn’t exclusive to wildfire response but applies to any large-scale emergency, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and pandemics.
—River Selby
august 25, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2025
China’s National Emergency Response Plan now lists AI safety alongside pandemics and cyberattacks.
—Brian Tse, Time, 13 Aug. 2025
Kennedy also falsely claimed mRNA vaccines can prolong pandemics.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2025
Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
And when the nation grapples with political divisions, civil unrest, social change or pandemics, these public lands – whether technically national parks or other elements in the wider system – are debated and fought over, protested in and used as an example.
—Jeffrey C. Hallo, The Conversation, 4 Sep. 2025
Life expectancy can be impacted by pandemics, new medical treatments and societal changes, the researchers said, but these factors can’t be predicted in these long-term models.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025
Unlike conventional pandemics that eventually burn out or succumb to medical intervention, this biological invasion would effectively start an alternative trajectory of evolution, with mirror life now adding to all existing living systems.
—Liyam Chitayat, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025
The research shows that pandemics aren’t unique catastrophes from the bygone era but recurring biological events tied to human gathering, movement, and environmental shifts.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2025
This system isn’t exclusive to wildfire response but applies to any large-scale emergency, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and pandemics.
—River Selby
august 25, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2025
China’s National Emergency Response Plan now lists AI safety alongside pandemics and cyberattacks.
—Brian Tse, Time, 13 Aug. 2025
Kennedy also falsely claimed mRNA vaccines can prolong pandemics.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pandemics.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pandemics. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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