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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  • But questions remain over the severity of the conditions to which ADOR subjected NewJeans—a battery of brutal training regimes and unusually strict personal terms that are laid out in a new report from The New York Times.
    — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Homeowners face fresh challenges as climate change accelerates the frequency and severity of storms.
    — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of severity
Noun
  • The bitterness this caused would help lead to the rise of radical elements in Germany—Erzberger was murdered in 1921, and Hitler would come to power over the next decade—eventually bringing about the Second World War.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Joseph Zada is beyond impressive in a highly demanding role that pushes him to the limit physically and emotionally, perfectly capturing the essence of Haymitch with all the sympathy, charm and bitterness Woody Harrelson brought to the role.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of bitterness
Noun
  • With instant messaging yet to be invented, 11 am—the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month—was chosen to be the time when hostilities would officially cease in order to allow news of the armistice to reach the front lines.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Trump has floated the possibility of restarting hostilities with Iran after the midterm election.
    — Justin Papp,Caleigh Keating,Garrett Downs,Kevin Breuninger,Dan Mangan, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of hostility
Noun
  • The two are fond but sick of each other, at times bickering with real melancholy and malice.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The Court finds Defendant could not have responded to these instances of 'actual malice' in the First Amended Complaint, as they were not framed as such.
    — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of malice
Noun
  • Stomach Bile In one sequence of the film, Jay finds himself in the whale’s stomach bile.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 17 Oct. 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about virulence

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