viral

[vahy-ruhl] / ˈvaɪ rəl /

ADJECTIVE

circulating quickly

Synonyms

STRONG

aggressive energetic fervid growing vigorous zealous

WEAK

amplifying augmenting budding burgeoning expanding flourishing sprouting thriving

Antonyms

STRONG

contained controlled stunted

WEAK

static

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.

Carney was referring to a viral image of a jar of nutella floating through the Orion space capsule, and his question had the crew in fits of laughter.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

The viral fried chicken at Yankee Stadium is a sellout.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Videos of the hippo went viral, memes were created, and visitor numbers at the zoo increased hugely as thousands flocked each weekend to catch a glimpse of Moo Deng.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Yet this distinction is often lost in debates and viral sound bites on social media.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

“No. But it’s never been this specifically viral before.”

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan