Synonyms for
Pandemic
Definition
An outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population.
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Formal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- global pandemic
- deadly pandemic
- prevent a pandemic
- fight the pandemic
- end the pandemic
- pandemic preparedness
- pandemic disease
- pandemic outbreak
Word family
Usage note
While 'pandemic' and 'epidemic' are often used interchangeably, a pandemic is a global outbreak, whereas an epidemic is a widespread outbreak in a particular region.
Example sentences
- The pandemic caused schools to close and people to stay at home.
- The Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 was one of the deadliest outbreaks in history.
- The pandemic made it difficult for people to travel and see their loved ones.
- The pandemic has highlighted the importance of washing your hands and wearing a mask.
- The pandemic has had a significant impact on the economy and job market.
Quotes
'The world is experiencing a pandemic of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.' - World Health Organization
'A pandemic is not a single event but a process. It has a series of phases, some of which may be pandemic, and some of which may not.' - Michael Ryan
'We are not in a position where the epidemic is under control or where the pandemic is under control.' - Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus