ILLNESS Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

illness

noun

ˈil-nəs

Definition of illness

as in disease

an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning suffered from a mysterious illness that left her weak and tired all the time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sickness

the condition of not being in good health prone to illness as a child, he was sent to a western ranch with the expectation that it would toughen him up

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 illness The actress, who starred in Coach and The Donna Reed Show among other TV series and films, died Saturday after a brief illness. — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026 Vaccination can help reduce the risk of severe illness, including hospitalization and death. — Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Despite his illness, Mansour remained active well into his later years. — News Desk, Artforum, 28 Aug. 2026 The deeply emotional song addresses coming out of a long dark period, whether from depression or illness or other circumstances. — Melinda Newman, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for illness

Recent Examples of Synonyms for illness

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

In the case of the cyclospora outbreak, Taylor Farms initiated a recall of iceberg lettuce after reports of sickness emerged from across the country.

— Dian Zhang, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Difficult interactions with the government intensify the sickness of sickness and the trauma of trauma.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of sickness

Noun

All the police will find is a crowd sitting in silent vigil and a bottle of olive oil for anointing the ill.

— Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2026
Alex Pantling/Getty Images What is clear is that no one thinks the changes enacted in either the Championship or League One are a resolution to the EFL’s marked financial ills.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of ill

Noun

Don’t be alarmed, but George Michael fever — which is the incessant urge to listen to the music British singer-songwriter George Michael — has been spreading for the past couple of years.

— Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
Salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

— Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026