1
as in disease
an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning
suffered from a mysterious illness that left her weak and tired all the time
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sickness
the condition of not being in good health
prone to illness as a child, he was sent to a western ranch with the expectation that it would toughen him up
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of illness
In 1976, the disease detectives were sent to investigate an outbreak in Philadelphia of a mysterious deadly illness.
—
Casey Luc, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Vaccines are among the most successful tools in the public health arsenal, preventing debilitating illnesses and lowering the need for expensive medical care.
—Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Depression is an illness that can impact anyone, regardless of age, race, cultural background, education or income, per the NIH.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2025
But this type of bacteria can also cause more serious illnesses—even flesh-eating infections.
—Alice Park, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illness
Casey Luc, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Vaccines are among the most successful tools in the public health arsenal, preventing debilitating illnesses and lowering the need for expensive medical care.
—Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Depression is an illness that can impact anyone, regardless of age, race, cultural background, education or income, per the NIH.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2025
But this type of bacteria can also cause more serious illnesses—even flesh-eating infections.
—Alice Park, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illness
Noun
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The Harmattan facilitates the spread of diseases, such as influenza.—
Christophe Lavaysse,
JSTOR Daily,
17 Apr. 2025
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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
Noun
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What Science Says Taking immune-boosting supplements is touted as a way to strengthen one's body’s ability to fight off an infection rather than avoid sickness altogether.—
Maggie O'Neill,
Verywell Health,
3 Apr. 2025
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Ed has been called to be the United States Attorney for Washington, DC, perhaps the most powerful prosecutor in the country, with the ability to shape the application of justice in our Nation’s Capital, routing out the sickness and corruption and bringing hope nee hope to America.—
Rebecca Beitsch,
The Hill,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Supports the immune system and may help prevent seasonal ailments such as colds and flu.—
Alessandra Signorelli,
Vogue,
8 Apr. 2025
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Finally, Holiday has been playing through a nagging finger issue but also has a shoulder ailment.—
Kevin Sabet,
Newsweek,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In my opinion, this lack of respect for themselves, other students and authority stems from changes in family socialization thrust upon the school to heal all ills.—
Martin Potters,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Mar. 2025
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The pope also thanked staff at the hospital who aided his recovery from double-pneumonia and other ills, the Vatican said.—
John Bacon,
USA TODAY,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
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So Much Top 40 Dope Thief goes into a full-on fever dream.—
Britina Cheng,
Vulture,
12 Apr. 2025
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The authors also determined that dog breeds that tend to dig, such as medium-to-large animals and terriers, are more likely to get Valley fever.—
Sharon Udasin,
The Hill,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illness. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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