Synonyms of virulence

virulence

noun

ˈvir-ə-lən(t)s 

as in severity

biting sharpness of feeling or expression

I was surprised by the virulence of the criticism

Synonyms & Similar Words

• severity
• bitterness
• hostility
• corrosiveness
• malice
• bile
• virulency
• acidity
• anger
• vitriol
• venom
• acrimony
• acridity
• tartness
• asperity
• resentment
• mordancy
• harshness
• sternness
• acridness
• cattiness
• vehemence
• acidness
• incivility
• spite
• jealousy
• malevolence
• sourness
• coldness
• animosity
• relentlessness
• gruffness
• rudeness
• crossness
• vindictiveness
• impoliteness
• surliness
• scorn
• iciness
• jaundice
• rancor
• spleen
• ungraciousness
• nastiness
• gall
• discourteousness
• sour grapes
• pique

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• diplomacy
• kindness
• politeness
• civility
• sympathy
• cordiality
• geniality
• sweetness
• graciousness
• courtesy
• tenderness
• warmth
• compassion
• softness
• tactfulness
• smoothness
• urbanity
• suavity
• oiliness
• suaveness
• unctuousness

Example Sentences

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