virulent

adjective

ˈvir-ə-lənt How to pronounce virulent (audio)
Definition of virulentnext
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

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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 virulent The smuggling of fighting roosters from Mexico has been linked to multiple outbreaks of virulent Newcastle disease in the United States, according to Animal Wellness Action. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 19 May 2026 Measles is so virulent that at least 95% of a community needs to be vaccinated with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to avoid its spread, according to the World Health Organization. — Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 17 May 2026 The precautions are necessary, says Colleen Jonsson, a virologist at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, because of the possibility of the virus mutating to become more virulent. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 6 May 2026 Some of the bacteria that have been detected on the ISS have evolved during their time in space, including salmonella that have become more virulent and acinetobacter pittii that developed resistance to antibiotics. — Scott E. Solomon, STAT, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for virulent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virulent
  1. malicious
  2. vicious
  3. cruel
  4. hateful
  5. nasty
Adjective
  • Ransomware is a type of malicious software that restricts access to computer files, systems, or networks, according to the FBI.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 17 July 2026
  • Rodriguez pleaded guilty to damaging property occupied by a foreign government, explosive materials—malicious damage to federal property, and receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Definition of malicious
Adjective
  • Yet falling behind on payments could result in a vicious cycle of debt, experts say.
    — Stephanie Dhue,Sharon Epperson, CNBC, 14 July 2026
  • As Earth warms, more permafrost melts, releasing even more methane and creating a vicious cycle.
    — Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation, 13 July 2026
Definition of vicious
Adjective
  • The heat has become so unbearable in Japan that weather officials in April announced a new term for days when maximum temperatures exceed 104 degrees — kokushobi, meaning harsh or cruel heat, according to the Japan Times.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • For thousands of Venezuelans, however, the lack of definitive answers has become one of the tragedy’s cruelest consequences.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of cruel
Adjective
  • Although Fang was charged in a single incident, authorities allege the defendant was responsible for a string of hateful messages found across the Northern California campus.
    — Seamus Bozeman, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
  • In that film’s story, Insiang (Hilda Koronel) metes out revenge against Dado (Ruel Vernal), her hateful mother’s lover, who rapes her after rejecting his advances.
    — Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
Definition of hateful
Adjective
  • Lyndsy Fonseca, rapper Russ, Tom Cavanagh, Hunter King, Joseph Lee Anderson and Rob Riggle star in the indie film, which concerns a group of campers who run into a nasty, giant, prehistoric spider.
    — William Earl, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • At that point, a nasty nearly $7 million a day ticking fee takes effect that will find Paramount on the hook for hundreds of millions out to WBD shareholders each month until the matter gets regulatory approval.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 July 2026
Definition of nasty

Browse Nearby Words

virulency
virulent
virulently
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Cite this Entry

“Virulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virulent. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on virulent

Nglish: Translation of virulent for Spanish Speakers

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