Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for syphilis. Search instead for syphili.
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

Overall, there were 9,535 diagnoses of what is described as early-stage syphilis in England in 2024, up 2% on 2023.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2025

But the overall figure for syphilis, including what is called late-stage syphilis, or complications from the infection, rose 5% to 13,030.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2025

The doctors took one look at my skin and spoke among themselves, wondering if my spots might be the result of a terrible disease called congenital syphilis.

From "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina" by Michaela DePrince

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.