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Showing results for virulence. Search instead for avirulentem.
Definitions

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

Mycoviral infections are multifaceted; they can reduce or increase virulence or remain hidden without obvious symptoms.

From Science Daily • Jun. 19, 2024

She knew her sister's character, the haughtiness of her spirit, and she was frightened by the virulence of her anger.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

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