contagious

adjective

kən-ˈtā-jəs How to pronounce contagious (audio)
Definition of contagiousnext
1
as in infectious
capable of being passed by physical contact from one person to another chicken pox, measles, German measles, and other contagious diseases

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spreading
exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others the enthusiasm of the new club members was contagious

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 contagious The more kids tickle him, the more Elmo giggles, causing a hilarious and contagious giggle effect for everyone in the room. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026 Norovirus is very contagious and is America’s leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Working in isolation, cut off from the outside world and subjected to extreme conditions, the crew faces an even greater threat when the station’s doctor becomes infected by a highly contagious parasitic worm. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 June 2026 This contagious viral respiratory illness can cause serious complications, hospitalization and death, CDC data shows. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for contagious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious
  1. infectious
  2. infective
Adjective
  • The atmosphere is infectious, attracting a discerning international crowd, yacht enthusiasts, fashion aficionados, and travelers who are seeking a blend of luxury and authenticity.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
  • Vibrant animation, infectious energy, and a killer soundtrack make this a future cult favorite.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026
Definition of infectious
Adjective
  • His provisional cause of death was given as multi-organ failure due to infective endocarditis, a rare infection of the inner lining or valves of the heart.
    — Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • On July 30, Ray updated her fans again, revealing her diagnosis of infective endocarditis, a severe heart infection.
    — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 31 July 2024
Definition of infective

Phrases Containing contagious

Browse Nearby Words

contagions
contagious
contagious disease
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Cite this Entry

“Contagious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagious. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on contagious

Nglish: Translation of contagious for Spanish Speakers

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