contagious

adjective

kən-ˈtā-jəs How to pronounce contagious (audio)
Definition of contagiousnext
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

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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

Synonyms & Similar 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 contagious The good news is that unlike the flu, dengue is not contagious and can only spread to people by bites from infected mosquitoes. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026 Diarrhea Once water has been contaminated by germs that cause contagious diarrhea, a swimmer only has to swallow a tiny amount to become infected. — Amanda MacMillan, Health, 30 July 2026 Traditional burial practices in some communities involve touching the bodies of the deceased, which can be highly contagious. — Prosper Heri Ngorora, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 The disease can be easily treated with standard antibiotics, and people are no longer contagious after just a few doses. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for contagious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious
  1. infectious
  2. infective
Adjective
  • In interviews with positive cases, public health workers try to identify others who may have been exposed and come into contact with an infectious person.
    — Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The dancers brought an infectious energy to every corner of the stage through versatile choreography.
    — Maya Santiago, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of infectious
Adjective
  • The team confirmed that those eggs developed into infective third-stage larvae.
    — Jay Kakade August 05, Refractor, 5 Aug. 2026
  • His provisional cause of death was given as multi-organ failure due to infective endocarditis, a rare infection of the inner lining or valves of the heart.
    — Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of infective

Phrases Containing contagious

Browse Nearby Words

contagions
contagious
contagious disease
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Cite this Entry

“Contagious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagious. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on contagious

Nglish: Translation of contagious for Spanish Speakers

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