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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 infection
Reduced lung function increases the risk for chronic respiratory disease, such as COPD, or more frequent respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, as adults.
—
Jill Johnston, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
The malware infection attempt could trigger security alerts on a PC.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026
Eye drops that aren’t sterile could pose an infection risk; so far, there have been no reports of injuries or illness related to the current recall.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Apr. 2026
However, infections can lead to HUS or life-threatening conditions like high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease or neurologic issues, per the FDA.
—Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for infection
Jill Johnston, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
The malware infection attempt could trigger security alerts on a PC.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026
Eye drops that aren’t sterile could pose an infection risk; so far, there have been no reports of injuries or illness related to the current recall.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Apr. 2026
However, infections can lead to HUS or life-threatening conditions like high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease or neurologic issues, per the FDA.
—Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for infection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infection
Noun
-
The airborne virus can spread when someone coughs or sneezes.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Scientists estimate somewhere between 5%-35% of people do not get sick from the flu despite being exposed to the virus that causes it.—
Juana Summers,
NPR,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And even after a deep cleaning, a sponge will still contain germs that can thrive because of the perpetually moist environment.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The crew has been in medical quarantine since March 18 to protect their voyage from hitchhiking germs.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Infection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infection. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
