virulence

[vir-yuh-luhns, vir-uh-] / ˈvɪr yə ləns, ˈvɪr ə- /

NOUN

sharpness of temper

Synonyms

STRONG

acerbity acrimony animosity animus annoyance antagonism bitterness choler cynicism displeasure dudgeon embitterment exacerbation exasperation fog fury gall grudge hostility huff hurt indignation ire irritation malice malignity miff offense outrage passion perturbation pique rage rancor rise spite umbrage vehemence vexation virulency wrath

WEAK

bad feeling ill feeling ill will rancorousness resentfulness resentment

Antonyms

STRONG

calm calmness cheer comfort delight glee good will happiness joy kindness love pleasure sweetness sympathy understanding

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.

“The Saudis understood that their dispute with the Emiratis had crossed into an anti-Israel posture of increasing virulence, that it was creating serious problems for them in Washington,” Dubowitz said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

This could allow them to acquire genes from frozen pathogens that confer antimicrobial resistance or greater virulence.

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2025

They compared the genomes of EF-responsive and non-responsive strains and found that, in addition to iron acquisition genes, responsive strains had genes associated with virulence and capsule production specifically.

From Science Daily • Dec. 2, 2024

The team of phage scientists said they will continue looking for similar instances of phages dampening the virulence of pathogenic bacteria.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2024

Dill released a long exhale as he left the building, as though he’d held his breath for the entire time he was inside to keep from inhaling whatever virulence the men imprisoned there harbored.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner

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