virulence

[vir-yuh-luhns, vir-uh-] / ˈvɪr yə ləns, ˈvɪr ə- /

NOUN

sharpness of temper

Synonyms

STRONG

acerbity acrimony animosity animus annoyance antagonism bitterness choler cynicism displeasure dudgeon embitterment exacerbation exasperation fog fury gall grudge hostility huff hurt indignation ire irritation malice malignity miff offense outrage passion perturbation pique rage rancor rise spite umbrage vehemence vexation virulency wrath

WEAK

bad feeling ill feeling ill will rancorousness resentfulness resentment

Antonyms

STRONG

calm calmness cheer comfort delight glee good will happiness joy kindness love pleasure sweetness sympathy understanding

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.

“The Saudis understood that their dispute with the Emiratis had crossed into an anti-Israel posture of increasing virulence, that it was creating serious problems for them in Washington,” Dubowitz said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

This innovative approach has provided valuable insights into how calcium supplementation can impede the pathogen's ability to form biofilms, a key factor in its virulence.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2024

The team of phage scientists said they will continue looking for similar instances of phages dampening the virulence of pathogenic bacteria.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2024

"When tested for its effects on the fungus' ability to attack frogs, it seemed to actually increase the virulence of the fungus against the frog."

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2024

Like Griffith, Avery observed that the smooth-coated bacteria, once transformed, retained their virulence generation upon generation.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

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