Synonyms of contagious

contagious

adjective

kən-ˈtā-jəs 

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

• infectious
• infective
• communicable
• transmissible
• catching
• transmittable
• pestilent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• noninfectious
• noncommunicable

2

as in spreading

exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others

the enthusiasm of the new club members was contagious

Synonyms & Similar Words

• infectious
• spreading
• epidemic
• catching
• tangible
• irresistible
• perceptible
• overwhelming
• overpowering
• palpable
• irresistable
• winning
• endearing
• inviting
• fetching
• disarming
• winsome

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contagious

This highly contagious bird flu infects flocks that must then be culled to prevent the spread of the disease, thereby slashing the number of laying hens and ultimately the stockpile of eggs, ratcheting up the price. —Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world and spreads rapidly among unvaccinated people. —Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 15 Mar. 2025

At least a dozen states are grappling with ongoing outbreaks of the highly contagious virus, including some states popular with Spring Breakers. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel previously shared with Fox News Digital that measles is highly contagious. —Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 10 Mar. 2025

Phrases Containing contagious

• contagious disease