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.

Diagnoses of syphilis in gay and bisexual men dropped sharply – down 19% to their lowest level since 2016.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

And there was: There had been some progress, with oxytetracycline, OTC for short, a powerful antibiotic that is used to treat chlamydia and sometimes syphilis in humans.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 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

By 1546, syphilis had evolved into the disease with the symptoms so well known to us today.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

syphilis

Example Sentences

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