as in malicious
having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it
the virulent look on her face warned me that she was about to say something unkind
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 virulent
The internet being the internet, however, some fans had correctly guessed this twist was coming after sharing Harcourt’s observation about the population’s whiteness — matched with the fact that on the main Earth, Auggie was a virulent white supremacist known as the White Dragon.
—
Adam B. Vary, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
West, who has a history of virulent antisemitism, was dropped by his talent agent in February following one of his antisemitic rants.
—Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Viruses can mutate to escape from antibodies, but the mRNA vaccines are not causing the emergence of more virulent strains, likely for at least two reasons.
—Deborah Fuller, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Viruses can mutate to escape from antibodies, but the mRNA vaccines are not causing the emergence of more virulent strains, likely for at least two reasons.
—Deborah Fuller, The Conversation, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for virulent
Adam B. Vary, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
West, who has a history of virulent antisemitism, was dropped by his talent agent in February following one of his antisemitic rants.
—Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Viruses can mutate to escape from antibodies, but the mRNA vaccines are not causing the emergence of more virulent strains, likely for at least two reasons.
—Deborah Fuller, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Viruses can mutate to escape from antibodies, but the mRNA vaccines are not causing the emergence of more virulent strains, likely for at least two reasons.
—Deborah Fuller, The Conversation, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for virulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virulent
Adjective
-
Their faltering attempt at a total crackdown—which can’t muzzle the anger and bravery of ordinary people—and its general odor of malicious incompetence, is even seeping into the White House’s hermetic media echo chamber.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Just like the ClickFix attacks, this malicious trickery is all about running commands that almost all users would never think to do in normal circumstances.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
As late as the 9th century, Canis Major was pictured as a fierce, vicious hunting dog.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
That kind of improvement could help avoid a worst-case scenario the Fed has been desperate to avoid, one where expectations for high inflation trigger a vicious cycle of behavior that only worsens inflation.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Moon is at odds with three planets, which can trigger arguments, snide remarks and even cruel retorts.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
25 Jan. 2026
-
An old 4chan meme designed as a cruel caricature has somehow become the face of clueless commentators asking for context.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This is not the first time that Peacock has taken to social media to ask viewers to refrain from sending hateful messages.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Since 2004, Orange County also has been predominantly nonwhite, but some conservative families, such as Woodward’s, bond over a hateful ideology.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
As many of us can attest, this slick layer of ice can lead to nasty falls.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
23 Jan. 2026
-
The Patriots, who pursued signing Stidham this offseason as a free agent, will have something nasty in store for the longtime reserve.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Virulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virulent. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
