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 The baby had evidence of measles virus in its lung tissue, Diamantoni said, suggesting that it was infected by its mother before birth. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026 Paxlovid — a combination of the drugs nirmatrelvir and ritonavir — works by stopping the virus that causes Covid from multiplying. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026 There are no licensed vaccines or medications that protect against the virus. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 Last week, the virus spilled into two new health zones in the region. — Constant Same Bagalwa, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for virus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virus
  1. disease
  2. contagion
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
  • Another is the contagion risk posed by having an unvaccinated child in a waiting room alongside infants and kids with immunodeficiencies.
    — Eric Boodman, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026
  • For instance, kids can carry contagions home along with their homework.
    — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on virus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about virus

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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