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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 Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is about 97% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus. — Katie Wiseman, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2026 While society pushes forward, there’s no promise that an even deadlier virus isn’t already lurking out of sight. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 2026 The goal of the research was to better understand genes that are immune to the virus, which could be used by someone to preserve, enhance or transfer virus immunity. — Greta Reich, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 The virus is then spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. — Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for virus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virus
  1. disease
  2. contagion
Noun
  • The layer plays a vital role in absorbing the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, which can cause diseases such as skin cancer.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Introducing a fish foreign to the region could bring diseases into the water.
    — John Donegan LONG BEACH POST, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of disease
Noun
  • Next might follow fears about contagion, vulnerability, age, or heredity and how these may affect body and mind.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Related Stories While driving through the snowy darkness one night, the courier comes face to the face with the results of a contagion — the Umbrella Corporation’s infamous T-virus — and chaos ensues.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 4 Sep. 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 20 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on virus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about virus

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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