Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for herpes. Search instead for herpeszes.
Definitions

herpes

[hur-peez] / ˈhɜr piz /
NOUN
sexually transmitted disease
Synonyms
STRONGEST
AIDS acquired immune deficiency syndrome gonorrhea syphilis the clap venereal disease
WEAK
HIV SIDA STD VD chancroid chlamydia clap crab louse crabs genital herpes genital warts herpes simplex scabies social disease tabes dorsalis
NOUN
venereal disease
Synonyms
STRONGEST
gonorrhea pox syphilis
WEAK
STD VD crabs sexually-transmitted disease social disease the clap

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is based on a modified herpes simplex virus that has been engineered to replicate only inside glioblastoma cells, leaving healthy tissue unaffected.

From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2026

Additionally, the Safari Park has done extensive examination into the endotheliotropic herpes virus.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, resulting in a painful rash.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 6, 2025

"It's time for New Zealand to become the best place in the world to have herpes."

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2025

This appears to have been a term extensively used by old medical authors for any creeping skin disease, being especially applied to that known as the herpes circinatus.

From Folk-lore of Shakespeare by Thiselton-Dyer, Thomas Firminger