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.
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Recent Examples of infection
Several studies have revealed that these medical treatments can dramatically cut the incidence of respiratory tract infections in infants.
—
Michael Cromer, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
The Nassau County Department of Health informed Bethpage Health School that someone connected to the school had the bacterial infection.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
Declining vaccination rates have left approximately 300,000 kindergarteners unprotected from measles infection.
—Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 6 Feb. 2026
Liam and his father returned home Saturday from a family detention center in Dilley, Texas, where two measles infections have since been confirmed.
—Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for infection
Michael Cromer, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
The Nassau County Department of Health informed Bethpage Health School that someone connected to the school had the bacterial infection.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
Declining vaccination rates have left approximately 300,000 kindergarteners unprotected from measles infection.
—Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 6 Feb. 2026
Liam and his father returned home Saturday from a family detention center in Dilley, Texas, where two measles infections have since been confirmed.
—Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for infection
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infection
Noun
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Your daughter is at school cutting alphabet shapes out of paper when the virus enters her bloodstream.—
Elizabeth Bruenig,
The Atlantic,
12 Feb. 2026
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Those issues included the BK virus, a flu-like polyomavirus, which resulted in both cellular and antibody rejection.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Unwashed Leafy Greens While all produce can become contaminated with harmful germs, leafy greens are especially susceptible.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
10 Feb. 2026
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Refined grains have been processed to remove the bran (the fiber-rich outer layer) and germ (the sprout).—
Brianna Tobritzhofer,
Health,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Infection.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infection. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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