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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 goat tested positive for caseous lymphadenitis, a highly contagious bacterial infection that can be fatal to animals and can be transmitted to humans through meat or milk, according to vet records from OSU obtained by the Statesman. — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026 The British capital has a contagious energy, according to those who made a sale on the first day. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 The fact that the virus lingers makes measles highly contagious. — Megan Shinn, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026 Far too many students are entering classrooms vulnerable to a highly contagious and dangerous virus. — Deb Houry, Time, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contagious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious
  1. infectious
  2. infective
Adjective
  • Many kinds of infectious agents are spread through contact with fomites, including influenza viruses, norovirus, and rotavirus.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
  • As for the neighborhood, the Brera district is a favorite of both locals and visitors with its unique atmosphere that combines the best of historic Milan with the restless and infectious energy of the city’s creative scene today.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of infectious
Adjective
  • Sepsis can lead to a number of different complications, and Woodhouse developed infective endocarditis — an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The team confirmed that those eggs developed into infective third-stage larvae.
    — Jay Kakade August 05, Refractor, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of infective

Phrases Containing contagious

Browse Nearby Words

contagions
contagious
contagious disease
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contagious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagious. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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