cancer

noun

Definition of cancernext
1
as in disease

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words
2
as in lymphoma

Related Words
3
as in canker

Related Words

Dissimilar 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 cancer Mortensen is the son of the late Chris Mortensen, a longtime NFL analyst for ESPN who died from throat cancer in 2024 at age 72. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 As Chris, a veteran CIA assassin with terminal cancer whose memory also seems to be going, Malkovich demonstrates a sinister insouciance that at first looks like psycho gloating. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 Some PFASs increase the risk of certain types of cancer, while others harm the immune system. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026 In 2021, Technoblade revealed his cancer diagnosis and continued communicating with fans throughout treatment with the humor and resilience that defined him. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cancer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cancer
  1. disease
  2. lymphoma
  3. canker
  4. virus
  5. melanoma
  6. decay
  7. carcinoma
  8. rot
Noun
  • New findings by a team of researchers from the US and Australia have complicated an ongoing debate over whether a total joint arthroplasty may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
    — Mike McRae August 31, New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026
  • As the disease progresses, people can develop a stiff neck, seizures and coma.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of disease
Noun
  • Lemieux sat out three seasons battling Hodgkin's lymphoma before returning in 2000 to play five more seasons for the Pittsburgh Penguins, adding 77 goals and 152 assists to his already impressive totals.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Proximity to wells has been linked with elevated rates of childhood leukemia and lymphoma.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of lymphoma
Noun
  • Monitor for Pests and Disease Healthy plants are better at surviving heat stress than plants that are already weakened, so keep an eye on your tomato plants throughout the growing season for common pests, like tomato hornworm, and diseases, such as early or late blight, white mold, and canker.
    — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 30 May 2026
  • Vines growing on the trunk and branches can hide structural damage or potential hazards like a canker or decayed section of a branch or the trunk.
    — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Definition of canker
Noun
  • The virus can also cause numerous complications, including ear infections, diarrhea, lasting immune system damage, hospitalization, pneumonia, encephalitis, pregnancy problems and death.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • His campaign is trying to stamp out the stigma that surrounds an HIV diagnosis and educate people about the basics, such as how the virus can't be spread through touching or sharing food.
    — Betsy Joles, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of virus
Noun
  • Moderna tested its mRNA cancer vaccine in patients with melanoma who had their tumors removed.
    — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Mellencamp, 45, was initially diagnosed with melanoma that spread.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of melanoma
Noun
  • In a total power blackout, the plant removes residual decay heat through natural convection rather than emergency electrical pumps or operator intervention.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Waytowich said crime is a symptom of much deeper problems on the north side of Jacksonville, from neighborhood decay to generational trauma and lack of job opportunities.
    — Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of decay
Noun
  • Cardwell, the daughter of Mama June Shannon, died at age 28 in December 2023 after she was diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal carcinoma in January of that year.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Merck and Moderna are studying the vaccine in several trials across other tumors, such as non-small cell lung cancer, bladder cancer and renal cell carcinoma.
    — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of carcinoma
Noun
  • Greening is a natural reaction—not a sign of rot or spoilage in the traditional sense.
    — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026
  • This is a short, potent book that has much to say about the spiritual rot of our present culture.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of rot

Browse Nearby Words

cancels (out)
cancer
cancers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cancer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cancer. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on cancer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cancer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All