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.

"These sugars are central to bacterial virulence, but they've been very hard to study," he said.

From Science Daily • Feb. 6, 2026

“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

Following this mineral assessment, the scientists explored the impact of calcium on several aspects related to the virulence of the pathogen, including its growth rate, ability to form biofilms and motility.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2024

"When tested for its effects on the fungus' ability to attack frogs, it seemed to actually increase the virulence of the fungus against the frog."

From Salon • Apr. 6, 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

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