virulent
adjective
vir·u·lent
ˈvir-ə-lənt 
ˈvir-yə-
1
a
: marked by a rapid, severe, and destructive course
a virulent infection
b
: able to overcome bodily defensive mechanisms : markedly pathogenic
virulent bacteria
2
: extremely poisonous or venomous
3
: full of malice : malignant
virulent racists
4
: objectionably harsh or strong
virulent criticism
virulently
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of virulent in a Sentence
The country seemed to be returning to the virulent nationalism of its past.
the virulent look on her face warned me that she was about to say something unkind
Recent Examples on the Web
Their virulent strain of hate, deeply rooted in antisemitism, has spread beyond the region and found fertile ground in Western democracies, including the United States.
—
Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
The latest outbreak was caused by a virulent form, and all the infections were tied to the same strain: E. coli O157:H7.
—Gerry Smith and Daniela Sirtori / Bloomberg, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024
Born in the Bronx, Cohn, who received his degree from Columbia Law School, was known for being a virulent anti-Communist.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2024
Armstrong made his rather virulent remarks during a Sept. 20 show with Green Day at San Francisco's Oracle Park, according to PEOPLE.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for virulent 
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Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
The latest outbreak was caused by a virulent form, and all the infections were tied to the same strain: E. coli O157:H7.
—Gerry Smith and Daniela Sirtori / Bloomberg, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024
Born in the Bronx, Cohn, who received his degree from Columbia Law School, was known for being a virulent anti-Communist.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2024
Armstrong made his rather virulent remarks during a Sept. 20 show with Green Day at San Francisco's Oracle Park, according to PEOPLE.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for virulent
Dictionary Entries Near virulent
Cite this Entry
“Virulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virulent. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
virulent
adjective
vir·u·lent
ˈvir-(y)ə-lənt
1
a
: marked by a rapid, severe, and often deadly course
a virulent infection
b
: able to overcome or break down the defenses of the body
a virulent germ
2
: extremely poisonous : noxious
3
: full of hate : spiteful
virulently
adverb
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