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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 measles disease is highly, highly contagious, said Dr. Mark Burns, associate professor of medicine at the University of Louisville's Division of Infectious Diseases.
—
Lillian Metzmeier, The Courier-Journal, 3 July 2025
People with the flu are generally contagious for three to seven days after the onset of symptoms.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Due to the contagious nature of the incurable disease, when it's detected, standard practice is to humanely kill all affected and exposed poultry.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
People can be contagious from about four days before the rash begins through four days afterward.
—Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Lillian Metzmeier, The Courier-Journal, 3 July 2025
People with the flu are generally contagious for three to seven days after the onset of symptoms.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Due to the contagious nature of the incurable disease, when it's detected, standard practice is to humanely kill all affected and exposed poultry.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
People can be contagious from about four days before the rash begins through four days afterward.
—Rong-Gong Lin Ii, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious
Adjective
-
Powered by fireworks, genre-hopping hits and his genuinely infectious personality, Malone appears to have set a state record for the largest-grossing single-day event in Idaho history.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
25 June 2025
-
From the thundering beats to the infectious energy of the crowd, every moment served as an in-your-face reminder that music shapes, inspires, and unites.—
Ali Lerman,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2025
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
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Contagious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/contagious. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share