VIRULENT Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

virulent

adjective

ˈvir-ə-lənt

as in malicious

having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it the virulent look on her face warned me that she was about to say something unkind

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of virulent The first great wave of Eastern European Jewish immigration to the United States began in 1881, set off by virulent, violent antisemitism in the Pale of Settlement. —

Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 Despite the recent controversy, Rose has been perceived largely positively in Poland over his virulent defense of Polish history. —

Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 5 Feb. 2026 Whether the impact is from a hurricane, tornado, derecho, wildfire, or severe flooding, the typical American home, commercial building or municipal structure typically lacks the strength to withstand the onslaught of today’s more virulent weather events. —

Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026 Ireland is now one of the most virulent anti-Israel countries in Europe, blurring the line between criticizing Israeli policies and questioning Israel’s right to exist. —

Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for virulent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for virulent

Adjective

The malicious Iranian regime is our national enemy.

— Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Under President John Adams, the Federalists sought to eradicate French ideological influence by raising the bar to citizenship, lowering the bar to deportation, and criminalizing malicious criticism of the federal government.

— Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 May 2026