variants or less commonly antivaccine
: opposed to the use of vaccines
A handful of parents and anti-vaccine activists told lawmakers … that they believe vaccines are responsible for countless cases of autism, learning disabilities and death.Jim Hughes
… the rising global threat of antivaccine sentiments and vaccine misinformation contributed to the WHO [=World Health Organization] classifying vaccine hesitancy as a top ten global health threat in 2019 …David M. Higgins and Sean T. O'Leary

Examples of anti-vaccine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
He's been a vocal opponent of his cousin's anti-vaccine rhetoric. Caroline Killilea, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026 Makary also came under fire from public health leaders, who accused him of catering to anti-vaccine activists. Connor Greene, Time, 12 May 2026 Nevertheless, anti-vaccine groups have targeted the ingredient, claiming falsely that it is linked to autism. Aria Bendix, NBC news, 15 May 2026 And so, so the administration clearly has gotten off the anti-vaccine message into something more positive. CBS News, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for anti-vaccine

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anti-vaccine was in 1880

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Cite this Entry

“Anti-vaccine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anti-vaccine. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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