infection

noun

Definition of infectionnext
as in virus
an abnormal state caused by contact with harmful organisms (such as bacteria or viruses) There is a viral infection spreading among the schoolchildren.

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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 infection Although infections can happen year-round, health officials say cases typically increase during the warmer months as more people spend time in pools and water parks. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026 Our study helps resolve this paradox by providing evidence that scratching also provides defense against bacterial skin infections. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 Evan Longoria was voted to start in 2009 but couldn’t play in the game due to finger infection, then won the election again in 2010 and made the start. — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026 The infection is typically treated with a combination antibiotic. — Caroline Kee, NBC news, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for infection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infection
  1. virus
  2. germ
Noun
  • Thorough cooking kills the virus, so cook eggs and meat all the way through and skip raw milk.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • Testing of saliva later confirmed infection with a bat rabies virus variant.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of virus
Noun
  • Always wear gloves before handling nests to protect yourself from any germs or parasites.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 June 2026
  • The commonality suggests there must be some evolutionary reason and the mouse experiment hints at a little germ protection — but still not a reason to scratch.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
Definition of germ

Browse Nearby Words

infecting
infection
infectious
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Cite this Entry

“Infection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infection. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on infection

Nglish: Translation of infection for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about infection

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