infectious

adjective

in-ˈfek-shəs How to pronounce infectious (audio)
Definition of infectiousnext
as in spreading
exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others an infectious giggle that got the whole class laughing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 infectious With an ever-present smile, infectious spirit and larger-than-life personality, defensive back Cole Martin is always undeniably himself. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 Gajdusek decided to test whether kuru could be infectious, too, a compelling possibility given the Fore’s mortuary rituals. — Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 But winning is infectious and fuels a desire for more, as Griffin can attest to. — Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 17 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for infectious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infectious
catching
Adjective
  • Instead, the Giants are making an even more shocking decision to ship Bailey, who will be eligible for arbitration for the first time this offseason, to the Guardians, who have their own crowded catching room between Bo Naylor and Austin Hedges.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 9 May 2026
  • Christian Vázquez, who replaced Diaz in the lineup Monday, figures to take on primary catching duties while Diaz is out.
    — Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 4 May 2026
Definition of catching

Browse Nearby Words

infection
infectious
infective
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Cite this Entry

“Infectious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infectious. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on infectious

Nglish: Translation of infectious for Spanish Speakers

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