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 Officials said laboratory tests to determine the source of the infections were not expected to be available for several weeks. — CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 The primary concern is often whether holding urine will cause a urinary tract infection. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Another hospitalization was necessary in December 2022, again due to an infection. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026 Additionally, sleeping in contacts can lead to irritation of the cornea and/or eye infections. — Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for infection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infection
  1. virus
  2. germ
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
  • Wastewater tracking is the testing of community sewage for viruses and other germs to help health officials monitor disease spread and trends, often before cases show up in clinical testing data.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The portable machine uses pulses of full-spectrum ultraviolet light to kill infectious germs inside hospital rooms.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on infection

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about infection

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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