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
Related Words
Relevance
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 pandemics
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
In May, for example, BARDA rescinded $766 million in grants to Moderna for work the vaccine manufacturer was doing to develop, test, and bring through licensure several vaccines for influenza viruses that could trigger pandemics.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 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
Jeffrey C. Hallo, The Conversation, 4 Sep. 2025
In May, for example, BARDA rescinded $766 million in grants to Moderna for work the vaccine manufacturer was doing to develop, test, and bring through licensure several vaccines for influenza viruses that could trigger pandemics.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 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 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share