Synonyms for

Radiation

Verb / ˌreɪdi:ˈeɪʃʌn / Another word for radiation — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Radiation is energy that comes from a source and travels through space or some material.

Synonyms & similar words

radioactivity radiationsyndrome radiationsickness radiotherapy irradiation radiationtherapy actinotherapy energy rays waves emission exposure irradiation emanation outflow outpouring emanation discharge circulation transmission diffusion propagation spread scattering dispersion distribution dissemination

Synonyms by register

Formal

emission irradiation radiance effluence

Informal

rays beams glow

Literary

effulgence luminescence

Antonyms

absorption shielding blockage protection concealment obscurity

Common collocations

  • ionizing radiation
  • background radiation
  • solar radiation
  • thermal radiation
  • radiation therapy
  • radiation sickness
  • radiation exposure
  • radiation shielding

Word family

noun radiation
verb radiate
adjective radiant
adverb radiantly

Usage note

Primarily used in scientific contexts, particularly physics and medicine. Avoid using 'radiation' for general light or heat unless referring to electromagnetic waves.

Example sentences

  1. Radiation can be harmful to humans if they are exposed to too much of it.
  2. The dentist used radiation to take a picture of my teeth.
  3. Some animals have adapted to living in places with high levels of radiation.
  4. Radiation therapy is a common treatment for cancer.
  5. The radiation level in the area was too high for people to live there.

Quotes

  • "Radiation doesn't recognize borders; it doesn't recognize politics." - Sigmar Gabriel
  • "I'm not a nuclear physicist by any stretch of the imagination, but I feel like radiation shouldn't be this colorful." - John Oliver
  • "Radiation is an invisible killer." - Jeremy Rifkin

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