1
as in infectious
capable of being passed by physical contact from one person to another
chicken pox, measles, German measles, and other contagious diseases
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spreading
exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others
the enthusiasm of the new club members was contagious
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contagious
Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases on the planet.
—
Andrés Henao, The Conversation, 7 June 2026
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), canine parvovirus is highly contagious and can be life-threatening for dogs.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 5 June 2026
Michael Nagle | Bloomberg | Getty Images Instead, experts say more contagious threats could pose greater challenges during the tournament and other large events this summer, particularly because international visitors could move through multiple venues and cities in a matter of days.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Unlike contagious livestock diseases, screwworm does not spread directly from animal to animal.
—Elmira Aliieva, NBC news, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Andrés Henao, The Conversation, 7 June 2026
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), canine parvovirus is highly contagious and can be life-threatening for dogs.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 5 June 2026
Michael Nagle | Bloomberg | Getty Images Instead, experts say more contagious threats could pose greater challenges during the tournament and other large events this summer, particularly because international visitors could move through multiple venues and cities in a matter of days.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Unlike contagious livestock diseases, screwworm does not spread directly from animal to animal.
—Elmira Aliieva, NBC news, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious
Adjective
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Collaborating with the Centers for Disease and Control and the California Department of Public Health, county health officials are working with the above locations and agencies to identify potential close contacts who were exposed to measles during the infectious period.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
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What else is going on A person with an infectious case of the measles likely visited San Francisco International Airport, a Bay Area county has warned.—
Kevinisha Walker,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
Adjective
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His provisional cause of death was given as multi-organ failure due to infective endocarditis, a rare infection of the inner lining or valves of the heart.—
Daniel Taylor,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
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On July 30, Ray updated her fans again, revealing her diagnosis of infective endocarditis, a severe heart infection.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
31 July 2024
Cite this Entry
“Contagious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagious. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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