PATHOGENIC Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

pathogenic

adjective

Definition of pathogenic

as in infective

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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 pathogenic Federal law allows the interstate sale of unpasteurized cheese as long as it’s aged for at least 60 days, though this doesn’t fully eliminate the risk — or account for a farm using pathogenic milk to make it. — CNN Money, 14 June 2026 Wastewater monitoring sites can sense levels of disease in a community by detecting pieces of viral or other pathogenic DNA shed through feces, urine or other bodily fluids into municipal wastewater systems. — Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 10 June 2026 One small 2021 study on postmenopausal women showed that drinking just one glass of cranberry juice a day for two weeks significantly decreased pathogenic bacteria. — Cynthia Sass, Health, 27 Apr. 2026 But then suddenly after a winter of heavy rain followed by hot weather, long-dormant pathogenic fungi suddenly come to life due to excess water in the root zone and bring about the tree’s demise. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pathogenic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pathogenic

Adjective

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
On July 30, Ray updated her fans again, revealing her diagnosis of infective endocarditis, a severe heart infection.

— Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 31 July 2024

Definition of infective

Adjective

Parents should understand that infectious pathogens like viruses and bacteria have not disappeared, but rather remain under control when vaccination rates stay high.

— Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
That infectious work ethic apparently already had resurfaced on Day One.

— Vahe Gregorian July 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

Definition of infectious

Adjective

The result is clouds of both coal dust and highly toxic silica dust.

— Howard Berkes, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026
Philly neighborhoods with a higher percentage of green areas, by contrast, have lower levels of diesel particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and other toxic air pollutants, which inflame and irritate the respiratory system.

— Mahbubur Meenar, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of toxic

Adjective

Some doctors employed wildly improbable cures when treating these pestilential tumors.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 May 2026
Here a book worth considering is ‘From third world to first’ - Lee Kwan Yew's first person story of transforming Singapore from a pestilential swamp into a metropolis.

— Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Definition of pestilential

Adjective

Several dietary supplements were recalled in July because of possible undeclared prescription drugs, harmful bacteria or allergens.

— Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 4 Aug. 2026
The air district is warning residents that wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter and other harmful pollutants, adding that exposure is unhealthy, even for short periods of time.

— Tim Fang, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of harmful

Adjective

The feminist progress of the past half century has been met with a virulent backlash of misogyny.

— Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
Further tests showed that the thick sticky coating made these bacteria more virulent than the normal-looking bacteria from the first urine sample.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026

Definition of virulent

Adjective

The patient was selected because his condition, unlike cancers such as leukemia, did not carry the risk of reimplanting malignant cells along with the transplant that could lead to a recurrence.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 23 July 2026
That’s the day Prigge was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, an aggressive form of cancer.

— Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of malignant

Browse Nearby Words

pathogenetic

pathogenic

pathographies

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“Pathogenic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pathogenic. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of pathogenic

adjective

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