1
as in infectious
capable of being passed by physical contact from one person to another
chicken pox, measles, German measles, and other contagious diseases
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spreading
exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others
the enthusiasm of the new club members was contagious
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contagious
Benny is a 2-year-old golden-retriever mix with a contagious smile.
—
Zuri Primos
june 29,
Kansas City Star,
29 June 2026
Morocco's up 4-2 — and its joy is contagious.
—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
25 June 2026
Working in isolation, cut off from the outside world and subjected to extreme conditions, the crew faces an even greater threat when the station’s doctor becomes infected by a highly contagious parasitic worm.
—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
24 June 2026
The more kids tickle him, the more Elmo giggles, causing a hilarious and contagious giggle effect for everyone in the room.
—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Zuri Primos
june 29,
Kansas City Star,
29 June 2026
Morocco's up 4-2 — and its joy is contagious.
—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
25 June 2026
Working in isolation, cut off from the outside world and subjected to extreme conditions, the crew faces an even greater threat when the station’s doctor becomes infected by a highly contagious parasitic worm.
—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
24 June 2026
The more kids tickle him, the more Elmo giggles, causing a hilarious and contagious giggle effect for everyone in the room.
—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious
infectious
Adjective
-
Lynn's infectious personality and ongoing quest for selfies made her someone that everyone wanted to know, and her sharp wit kept readers coming back for more.
-
The traveler was infectious while passing through Los Angeles County, potentially exposing others at LAX and the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel.
Cite this Entry
“Contagious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagious. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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