1
as in infectious
capable of being passed by physical contact from one person to another
chicken pox, measles, German measles, and other contagious diseases
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2
as in spreading
exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others
the enthusiasm of the new club members was contagious
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Recent Examples of contagious
This highly contagious infection is most common in babies and young children between three months and three years old.
—
Sarah Bradley, Health, 23 Oct. 2024
The infection is highly contagious and can lead to life-threatening illnesses, especially in infants.
—Don Rauf, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Oct. 2024
Because whooping cough is very contagious, even those with mild symptoms are able to spread it to particularly vulnerable groups such as young children and elderly people, who are likely to develop more severe cases.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2024
Joseph added that Cooper’s energy is contagious and pushes players to match it.
—Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contagious 
Sarah Bradley, Health, 23 Oct. 2024
The infection is highly contagious and can lead to life-threatening illnesses, especially in infants.
—Don Rauf, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Oct. 2024
Because whooping cough is very contagious, even those with mild symptoms are able to spread it to particularly vulnerable groups such as young children and elderly people, who are likely to develop more severe cases.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2024
Joseph added that Cooper’s energy is contagious and pushes players to match it.
—Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contagious
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Cite this Entry
“Contagious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contagious. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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