as in severity
biting sharpness of feeling or expression
I was surprised by the virulence of the criticism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 virulence
Scientists emphasized that this hasn’t been linked to virulence or rapid transmission.
—
Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 4 Oct. 2024
When a plague of unprecedented virulence sweeps the globe, the human race is all but wiped out.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 1 Oct. 2024
Those cases have decreased significantly in the U.S. The current strain, called clade 1b, is worrisome because of its virulence.
—Erika Edwards, NBC News, 5 Aug. 2024
In Earth Abides, when a plague of unprecedented virulence sweeps the globe, the human race is all but wiped out.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 25 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for virulence
Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 4 Oct. 2024
When a plague of unprecedented virulence sweeps the globe, the human race is all but wiped out.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 1 Oct. 2024
Those cases have decreased significantly in the U.S. The current strain, called clade 1b, is worrisome because of its virulence.
—Erika Edwards, NBC News, 5 Aug. 2024
In Earth Abides, when a plague of unprecedented virulence sweeps the globe, the human race is all but wiped out.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 25 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for virulence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virulence
Noun
-
On bridging the divide, Michel stressed the importance of recognizing the severity of the crisis, and engaging in productive dialogue.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
29 Mar. 2025
-
While San Diego County saw a decrease in acres under the highest severity rating, areas including Los Angeles County, still reeling from the Eaton and Palisades fires, saw increases of 30%.—
Christian Martinez,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Even small shifts can build rapport and defuse hostility.—
Diana Lowe,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
-
Intentionally directing attacks against civilian infrastructure and civilians who are not directly taking part in hostilities is considered a war crime under international law.—
Clarissa Ward,
CNN,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Jose Ibarra was convicted Nov. 20, 2024 of malice murder, three counts of felony murder and assault with intent to rape, among other charges, in Athens-Clarke County Superior Court.—
Alexandra Koch,
Fox News,
20 Mar. 2025
-
Worse than his malice is his neediness, which seems to break through that fourth wall to put its sticky fingers around our throats.—
Stephanie Bunbury,
Deadline,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
In a handful of these cases, researchers reported that genetically edited pig hearts could beat, livers made bile, and kidneys were able to function, making urine, without immediate rejection.—
Amber Dance,
Smithsonian Magazine,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Bile duct diseases: Diseases that affect the tubes that carry bile away from the liver, or bile ducts, include primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and biliary atresia.—
Lisa Rapaport,
EverydayHealth.com,
28 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Virulence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virulence. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share