VIRULENCE Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

virulence

noun

ˈvir-ə-lən(t)s

Definition of virulence

as in severity

biting sharpness of feeling or expression I was surprised by the virulence of the criticism

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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 virulence Flu has overtaken covid in infections and hospitalizations during the winter respiratory virus season, and their virulence is becoming similar. — Fenit Nirappil, Washington Post, 4 Mar. 2026 Genes involved in adaptation, such as those linked to virulence, metabolism or host interaction, also move with them. — Lily Peck, The Conversation, 17 Feb. 2026 Even controversial research aimed at enhancing pathogen transmissibility and virulence can yield valuable insights into how pathogens naturally evolve and how to prepare for future pandemics. — David Gillum, STAT, 22 Jan. 2026 One Pasteurella-like microbe carried genetic hints of virulence and has ties to deadly outbreaks in modern African elephants. — Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for virulence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for virulence

Noun

Courtney, an Army veteran who served with the 1st Ranger Battalion, immediately recognized the severity of his injury.

— Tori Mason, CBS News, 31 July 2026
But the Dodgers have downplayed the severity of that ailment and are under the impression that throwing doesn’t hurt it.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of severity

Noun

Its distinct warm, smoky, and toasted aromas, resulting from the roasting process, offer a unique flavor profile with less bitterness.

— Carissa Chesanek, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Delicate notes of wild berries complement the citrusy hop character and crisp, dry finish, creating a perfect balance of fruity flavor and bitterness.

— Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026

Definition of bitterness

Noun

Colt Gray, now 16, pleaded guilty to 55 felony counts, including four counts of malice murder, on Friday.

— Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
The suspect, who has not been identified due to his age, faces two counts of malice murder, possession of a pistol by a minor, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 29 July 2026

Definition of malice

Noun

So after all that — all the bile oozing out from those tweets — the thing people were mad about wasn’t even true.

— Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026
Employees told Fillmore during the early 2022 meeting that Shapiro had recently injured a patient’s common bile duct, a small tube that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine, during surgery.

— Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 16 July 2026

Definition of bile

Browse Nearby Words

virtus

virulence

virulency

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Style

“Virulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virulence. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of virulence

noun

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