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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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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Recent Examples of contagious
In 1978, the CDC announced a goal of eliminating the highly contagious virus.
—
Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 30 Mar. 2025
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that’s airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs.
—Devi Shastri, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Smith’s infectiousness is contagious, but who in his position — after such a rapid ascent — wouldn’t project such effervescence?
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
The switch-hitter with the contagious smile put his hand on his heart and tipped his helmet, acknowledging the crowd … before promptly hitting a single to right and finding himself on first base.
—Annie Heilbrunn, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 30 Mar. 2025
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that’s airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs.
—Devi Shastri, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Smith’s infectiousness is contagious, but who in his position — after such a rapid ascent — wouldn’t project such effervescence?
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
The switch-hitter with the contagious smile put his hand on his heart and tipped his helmet, acknowledging the crowd … before promptly hitting a single to right and finding himself on first base.
—Annie Heilbrunn, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contagious
Cite this Entry
“Contagious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagious. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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