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Definitions

syphilis

[sif-uh-lis] / ˈsɪf ə lɪs /
NOUN
sexually transmitted disease
Synonyms
STRONGEST
AIDS acquired immune deficiency syndrome gonorrhea herpes the clap venereal disease
WEAK
HIV SIDA STD VD chancroid chlamydia clap crab louse crabs genital herpes genital warts herpes simplex scabies social disease tabes dorsalis
NOUN
venereal disease
Synonyms
STRONGEST
gonorrhea herpes pox
WEAK
STD VD crabs sexually-transmitted disease social disease the clap

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.

This bacterium is responsible for several serious infectious diseases today, including syphilis.

From Science Daily • Jan. 26, 2026

Each causes a different disease: syphilis, yaws, and bejel.

From Science Daily • Jan. 26, 2026

Figures show that gay and bisexual men are disproportionately affected by STIs, accounting for 75% of syphilis and 70% gonorrhoea cases in London last year.

From BBC • Sep. 18, 2025

For example, American Indian and Alaska Natives represented 0.7% of births in 2023, but accounted for 4.6% of congenital syphilis cases.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2025

They shared a single piece of soap with other prisoners, including those with open sores and diseases such as tuberculosis and syphilis.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling