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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contagious
Key Takeaways Measles is highly contagious — easily transmitted through the air — which explains a recent surge of cases in undervaccinated communities.
—
Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 13 May 2025
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease caused by a virus that primarily, and most severely, affects children.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 May 2025
The duo’s performance was casual and comfortable, and their delight in sharing the stage was contagious.
—Charlie Mason, TVLine, 20 May 2025
Symptoms last up to three days, but those with the virus can still be contagious for another 48 hours after symptoms have subsided.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 13 May 2025
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease caused by a virus that primarily, and most severely, affects children.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 May 2025
The duo’s performance was casual and comfortable, and their delight in sharing the stage was contagious.
—Charlie Mason, TVLine, 20 May 2025
Symptoms last up to three days, but those with the virus can still be contagious for another 48 hours after symptoms have subsided.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contagious
Adjective
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There’s a sense of affection in that scene and the rest of the movie that is just so infectious.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
24 May 2025
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The state health department said four people diagnosed with measles attended classes while infectious at a Williston elementary school, middle school and high school.—
DEVI SHASTRI,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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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://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagious. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
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