Synonyms for

Contagious

Verb / kʌˈnteɪdʒʌs / Another word for contagious — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

likely to spread or catch a disease or infection

Synonyms & similar words

transmissible catching transmittable contractable communicable infectious transmissible spreadable catching communicable epidemic pandemic virulent contaminating infective pestilent pathogenic spreading transferable contractible septic inoculable catchy contagional plague-like

Synonyms by register

Formal

infectious transmissible communicable pestilential

Informal

catching spreading viral

Literary

pestilent epidemic

Antonyms

noninfectious untransmissible incommunicable isolated unspreading contained

Common collocations

  • contagious disease
  • contagious illness
  • contagious laughter
  • contagious enthusiasm
  • highly contagious
  • contagious spread
  • contagious effect

Word family

noun contagion
verb contaminate
adverb contagiously

Usage note

While 'contagious' primarily refers to diseases that spread by direct contact, it is often used metaphorically for emotions or behaviors that spread rapidly through a group. 'Infectious' is a broader term that can also apply to diseases spread indirectly.

Example sentences

  1. My sister has a contagious laugh that always makes me smile.
  2. The common cold is highly contagious and can easily spread from person to person.
  3. It's important to stay home if you're feeling contagious to avoid getting others sick.
  4. The virus that causes COVID-19 is very contagious and can spread quickly through a community.
  5. The flu can be contagious even before symptoms start to show.

Quotes

  • Laughter is contagious, be a carrier.
  • Attitudes are contagious. Make yours worth catching.
  • Happiness is contagious. When you're positive, people are naturally drawn to you.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words