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

Relevance

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 Measles can spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, and the virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person with infection leaves the area. Jamie Gumbrecht, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026 The infectious track — released in May, just two months before the month-long soccer tournament kicked off — laces Afrobeats with dance-pop, world beats and reggaetón, bridging the musical worlds of the Nigerian star and Colombian sensation. Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2026 Rhymes described Dilla as a man of few words who would quickly move from greeting to making music, but whose dedication to the creative process was infectious. Spin Staff, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026 On a recent episode of Therapuss, all Jake Shane needed to say was the word Boston and the episode’s guest, singer Role Model, began to croon Lefty’s infectious chorus. Abigail Sylvor Greenberg, Vanity Fair, 21 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Infectious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infectious. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!