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 In Season 1, after Hall’s character was infected with the virus, Jordan was played by Jessica Alexander. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 July 2026 In severe cases, the virus can affect the nervous system and lead to meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis or death. — City News Service, Daily News, 13 July 2026 Anyone is at risk of becoming infected with the virus, but those at higher risk of developing serious illness and long-term problems include people over age 50 and those with preexisting conditions. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026 Georgia is a rabies-endemic state, which means the virus can be found in wildlife year-round. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for virus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virus
  1. disease
  2. contagion
Noun
  • Already large clinical trials are testing if certain drugs could prevent or at least delay the disease — and if any of those pan out, doctors will need an easy way to tell who should try them.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
  • The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office determined Quinonez Palomares died of cardiovascular disease, with obesity listed as a significant contributing condition.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of disease
Noun
  • Organisers wanted to avoid any risk of contagion as the race passed through the valley.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • These conditions make Ebola especially risky, as early symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses such as malaria and delay detection, increasing risks of contagion.
    — Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes.com, 1 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on virus

Nglish: Translation of virus for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about virus

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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