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 Nigeria’s health minister, Muhammad Ali Pate, said authorities had found no evidence that the virus had spread into communities. — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Sanctuary staff quickly started separating monkeys quickly, ultimately creating two groups — those who'd experienced the virus, either by getting sick themselves or witnessing others get sick, and those who hadn't experienced the outbreak. — Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026 The virus may also cause congenital abnormalities in newborn calves. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 Mink and farmworkers were frequently tested, tracking the way that the virus was spreading and mutating. — Nat Lash, ProPublica, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for virus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virus
  1. disease
  2. contagion
Noun
  • Depending on the species, that could mean breeding animals in captivity and releasing them, restoring habitat, managing disease, or controlling invasive species.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Beeswax, honey, and pollen each possess their own particular antimicrobial and chemical properties that, taken together, repel disease and encourage helpful fungi.
    — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of disease
Noun
  • There was little understanding of how contagion might spread, but the civic leaders intuited that physical distancing measures could lessen its effect.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The Cowboys will look to cut off the potential of a contagion being further passed around the locker room ahead of their Week 6 clash with the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night at Lambeau Field.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about virus

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