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Definitions

contagious

[kuhn-tey-juhs] / kənˈteɪ dʒəs /
ADJECTIVE
communicable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deadly endemic infectious poisonous spreading
WEAK
catching epidemic epizootic impartible inoculable pestiferous pestilential taking transmissible transmittable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
harmless
WEAK
noncommunicable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

ASF is highly contagious and lethal for pigs and wild boars, but it does not affect humans.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

But the contagious nature of the band’s biggest singles has, over time, earned them a fortified respect for the legacy.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Her energy was contagious, seizing entire parties across the venue.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The government in January rolled out a 10-year drive to vaccinate nearly 20 million cattle against the highly contagious and sometimes deadly viral infection.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

No one in the setdement knew exacdy what had happened, but Lana had insisted from the start that care needed to be taken in case they were dealing with something contagious.

From "The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book Four; Origin)" by James Dashner