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virulence

noun

ˈvir-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce virulence (audio)
Definition of virulencenext
as in severity
biting sharpness of feeling or expression I was surprised by the virulence of the criticism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
  1. severity
  2. bitterness
  3. hostility
  4. malice
  5. bile
  6. virulency
Noun
  • Other remarks made on Wednesday indicated that Judge wasn’t thrilled with Boone for disclosing the severity of his injury.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Intentionally injuring or killing a cat is considered animal cruelty, which is punishable as a first-degree misdemeanor or a third-degree felony depending on the severity and intent of the act.
    — Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of severity
Noun
  • Arugula’s natural bitterness kicks off digestion before the first bite, cueing saliva, stomach acid and digestive enzymes that help the body prepare to break down a meal.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Why arugula may help digestion The whole pitch hinges on one thing, bitterness.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of bitterness
Noun
  • These advertisements stressed the importance of allowing Jews to immigrate to Palestine, a small country where there was hostility to such immigration.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Sentiment was buoyed by a fall in crude oil prices, sending stock markets higher, despite continued hostilities in the Middle East.
    — Jenni Reid,Sean Conlon, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of hostility
Noun
  • Stacey Humphreys, 53, was convicted of malice murder and other crimes in the 2003 killings of 33-year-old Cyndi Williams and 21-year-old Lori Brown in an Atlanta suburb.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Dmitry Gorin, a former prosecutor, said in this case prosecutors would be able to prove implied malice from Rios driving.
    — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of malice
Noun
  • For Italian audiences, that means Angela (Vanessa Scalera) can spew bile nonstop, but there’s no question her children will stick by her.
    — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Her words are not of gratitude but resentment, bile and narcissism.
    — Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of bile
Noun
  • The virulency of Covid-19 trained even those of us who shop locally out of principal to purchase online.
    — Marc Peruzzi, Outside Online, 2 Mar. 2021
Definition of virulency

Browse Nearby Words

virtus
virulence
virulency
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Cite this Entry

“Virulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virulence. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on virulence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about virulence

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