Virulent — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈvir-ə-lənt/ vir·u·lent

Meaning & Definition of Virulent

Virulent (adjective)

  1. marked by a rapid, severe, and destructive course
  2. able to overcome bodily defensive mechanisms, markedly pathogenic
  3. extremely poisonous or venomous

Virulent (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it

    "the virulent look on her face warned me that she was about to say something unkind"

    similar: bad (slang), bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, hateful, malevolent, malicious, malign, malignant, mean, nasty, spiteful, vicious
    related: devious, scoundrelly, scurvy, snakelike, acrimonious, bitter, envious, jaundiced, jealous, rancorous, resentful, vindictive, vitriolic, contemptuous, deprecating, derogatory, disdainful, disparaging, mean-spirited, obnoxious, opprobrious, scornful, snide, snotty, unkind, unkindly, unloving, baleful, baneful, evil, harsh, hostile, inimical, acrid, caustic, poisonous, scathing, venomous
    opposite: benevolent, benign, benignant, loving, unmalicious
    near: compassionate, good, good-hearted, kind, kindhearted, kindly, sympathetic, warm, warmhearted, affable, agreeable, amiable, cordial, friendly, genial, gracious, nice, pleasant, affectionate, amorous, sweet, tender, tenderhearted, humane, altruistic, high-minded, humanitarian, magnanimous, noble, philanthropic

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Virulent

The most common words with a similar meaning to Virulent:

Slang: bad
bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, hateful, malevolent, malicious, malign, malignant, mean, nasty, spiteful, vicious

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Virulent

Words with the opposite meaning of Virulent:

benevolent, benign, benignant, loving, unmalicious

Related Words for Virulent

devious, scoundrelly, scurvy, snakelike, acrimonious, bitter, envious, jaundiced, jealous, rancorous, resentful, vindictive, vitriolic, contemptuous, deprecating, derogatory, disdainful, disparaging, mean-spirited, obnoxious, opprobrious, scornful, snide, snotty, unkind, unkindly, unloving, baleful, baneful, evil

Near Antonyms of Virulent

compassionate, good, good-hearted, kind, kindhearted, kindly, sympathetic, warm, warmhearted, affable, agreeable, amiable, cordial, friendly, genial, gracious, nice, pleasant, affectionate, amorous, sweet, tender, tenderhearted, humane, altruistic, high-minded, humanitarian, magnanimous, noble, philanthropic

Word Forms of Virulent

Derived words: virulently (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Virulent

Middle English, "discharging watery pus, purulent," borrowed from Latin vīrulentus "full of poison, venomous," from vīrus "venom, poisonous fluid" + -ulentus "having in quantity, full of" virus

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Virulent

hypervirulent

Frequently Asked Questions about Virulent

What does "Virulent" mean?

"Virulent" means marked by a rapid, severe, and destructive course. As an adjective, it is defined as: marked by a rapid, severe, and destructive course.

What is another word for "Virulent"?

Other words for "Virulent" include bad, bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, hateful, malevolent and malicious. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Virulent" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Virulent"?

There are 52 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Virulent". Common alternatives include bad, bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, hateful, malevolent, malicious, malign and malignant.

What is the opposite of "Virulent"?

Antonyms of "Virulent" include benevolent, benign, benignant, loving and unmalicious. Near antonyms include compassionate, good, good-hearted and kind.

How do you use "Virulent" in a sentence?

Examples of "Virulent" in a sentence: "the virulent look on her face warned me that she was about to say something unkind".

Is "Virulent" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Virulent" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Virulent"?

"Virulent" is pronounced /ˈvir-ə-lənt/ and divided into syllables as vir·u·lent.

What is the origin of the word "Virulent"?

"Virulent" comes from Middle English, "discharging watery pus, purulent," borrowed from Latin vīrulentus "full of poison, venomous," from vīrus "venom, poisonous fluid" + -ulentus "having in quantity, full of" virus. First known use: 14th century.