virus

noun

Definition of virusnext
as in disease

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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 virus Researchers at Stanford and the Arc Institute in California found that an AI system was capable of designing a virus from scratch. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026 Barely any movies were released in 2020 and 2021 as the world was still grappling with the virus. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026 The virus has been found in North Carolina’s tick population, and antibodies showing previous exposure have been found in North Carolinians by researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill, but no one has been formally diagnosed. — Eva Flowe, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026 In California, 18 people across 12 counties had tested positive for the virus. — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for virus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virus
  1. disease
  2. contagion
Noun
  • The study’s findings also highlight the need for physicians to be alert to early signs of disease and consider blood pressure treatment, even in younger people, according to Freeman.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Etzel noted that the order makes several significant changes, which include reducing the number of diseases targeted by childhood vaccines and separating the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine into individual shots.
    — Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of disease
Noun
  • An emotional contagion like panic is always possible, but Vilhauer does not think most people would react that way even to such paradigm-shifting news as nonhuman intelligence.
    — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Circuit breakers were triggered once again, and contagion across the region saw steep declines for the Nikkei, led by the big tech names.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 28 July 2026
Definition of contagion

Browse Nearby Words

virulently
virus
viruses
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Cite this Entry

“Virus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virus. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on virus

Nglish: Translation of virus for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about virus

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