as in virus
an abnormal state caused by contact with harmful organisms (such as bacteria or viruses)
There is a viral infection spreading among the schoolchildren.
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Recent Examples of infection
The authors state that infections can lead to costs including for hospital visits, childcare and lost wages.
—
Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025
The victims described traumatic experiences that left some with feelings of shame as well as physical side effects, ranging from pain and bleeding to serious infections.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Most polio infections don’t cause symptoms, and fewer than 1 in 100 infections result in paralysis.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
In 2007, a case of Naegleria fowleri infection occurred after exposure in Lake Havasu.
—Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for infection
Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025
The victims described traumatic experiences that left some with feelings of shame as well as physical side effects, ranging from pain and bleeding to serious infections.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Most polio infections don’t cause symptoms, and fewer than 1 in 100 infections result in paralysis.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
In 2007, a case of Naegleria fowleri infection occurred after exposure in Lake Havasu.
—Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for infection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infection
Noun
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The Browns are a virus for seasonal depression.—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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The virus, which is spread by bodily fluids, is endemic in animal populations in Central and West Africa, and there are periodic outbreaks.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Little more than a century later, life expectancy had dramatically increased to seventy nine years—all due to a better understanding of microscopic germs as the cause of infectious diseases, public health measures, and the discovery and application of antibiotics.—
Alan Lightman
September 12,
Literary Hub,
12 Sep. 2025
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These are telltale signs that there’s a buildup of bacteria, germs, and other unwanted substances in or on your trash can that can end up spreading to other members of your family while creating an odor that can spread throughout the house along the way.—
Lauren Wicks,
Southern Living,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Infection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infection. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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