an·ti·vi·ral
ˌan-tē-ˈvī-rəl 
ˌan-tī-
: an antiviral agent and especially a drug
antivirals used in treating influenza
Examples of antiviral in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Kara Nesvig, Parents, 5 Aug. 2025
Most of the 41 children in the new study received steroids, antiviral medications, intravenous immunoglobulin or a plasma exchange, which is like dialysis.
Reasons for the increase in ANE cases are not known.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 30 July 2025
Mark Gurarie, Health, 26 Apr. 2025
Researchers have tracked its movements in the wild and studied it in the lab; governments have stockpiled vaccines against it and have effective antivirals ready.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antiviral
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.
Adjective
Viral encephalitis is often treated with antiviral medications, but many viruses—including those spread by mosquito and tick bites—don’t always respond to those treatments, says Dr. Toledano.
—Kara Nesvig, Parents, 5 Aug. 2025
Most of the 41 children in the new study received steroids, antiviral medications, intravenous immunoglobulin or a plasma exchange, which is like dialysis.
Reasons for the increase in ANE cases are not known.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 30 July 2025
Noun
Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics, antivirals, or corticosteroids to clear the infection and manage symptoms.6
How Long Does COVID Affect the Ears?
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 26 Apr. 2025
Researchers have tracked its movements in the wild and studied it in the lab; governments have stockpiled vaccines against it and have effective antivirals ready.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antiviral
Cite this Entry
“Antiviral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antiviral. Accessed 9 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share