contagious disease

noun

Definition of contagious diseasenext
as in infection
sickness that can be passed from one person, plant, or animal to another Parents are advised to vaccinate their children against contagious diseases.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 contagious disease Despite having some of the nation’s strictest school vaccination laws, California reported a decline last year in the share of kindergarten students who were immunized against measles, including in 16 counties where students no longer have herd immunity against one of the most contagious diseases. — Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025 Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling. — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025 Measles is one of the world's most contagious diseases. — TIME, 21 Mar. 2025 Sixteen counties reported that measles vaccination rates fell below herd immunity against one of the most contagious diseases. — Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contagious disease
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious disease
  1. infection
  2. virus
  3. disease
  4. illness
Noun
  • Before the anthrax infection, Virunga National Park had already seen a significant decline in its population.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • However, the fluid from your blisters can spread the varicella-zoster virus, which can potentially cause a chicken pox infection in folks who’ve never had the illness nor the chance to be vaccinated against it.
    — Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of infection
Noun
  • Cases have also been reported in areas where the virus has not been historically located, such as the coffee-growing Caldas region, according to the president’s office.
    — Fernando Ramos and Sanika Tank, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
  • According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, about 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to the virus will get measles.
    — Chantelle Lee, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of virus
Noun
  • However, in the U.S., the CDC has concluded there is no evidence that pesticides are effective in preventing these diseases and does not recommend this practice.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The Harmattan facilitates the spread of diseases, such as influenza.
    — Christophe Lavaysse, JSTOR Daily, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of disease
Noun
  • Death may force the succession of leadership, but so might incapacitation due to injury or illness, a desire to pursue other interests or even a spouse insisting on a move to a warmer climate.
    — Gerry Spitzer, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Mahler died in 1911 from illnesses exacerbated by a heart condition, at just 50.
    — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of illness

Browse Nearby Words

contagious
contagious disease
contagious diseases
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Cite this Entry

“Contagious disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagious%20disease. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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