viral
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for viral, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Relating to, or caused by, a virus.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use viral
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From virus plus the adjective-forming suffix -al.
Full origin of viral →Frequently asked questions
What does “viral” mean?
The word “viral” means relating to, or caused by, a virus. In plain terms, either "caused by a virus" or, more commonly now, "spreading incredibly fast online.".
How do you pronounce “viral”?
“Viral” is pronounced VEYE-ruhl (/ˈvaɪɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “viral” in a sentence?
Here is “viral” used in a sentence: “The doctor confirmed it was a viral infection, not bacterial.”
What is another word for “viral”?
Words with a similar meaning to “viral” include virous.
What part of speech is “viral”?
Depending on how it is used, “viral” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “viral” a common word?
“Viral” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “viral” have?
“Viral” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to, or caused by, a virus.
What is the difference between a viral and a bacterial infection?
A viral infection is caused by a virus, while a bacterial infection is caused by bacteria — two different kinds of microorganisms. The distinction matters for treatment, because antibiotics can treat bacterial infections but are ineffective against viral ones.
Does "viral" always refer to the internet?
No. The original sense of "viral" is medical — relating to or caused by a virus, as in "a viral infection" — and the online sense of spreading rapidly is a figurative extension of it. Context makes clear which sense is meant.
What is viral marketing?
Viral marketing is a strategy that designs content people will want to share, so the message spreads rapidly from person to person online rather than relying on paid placement alone. The name borrows the sense of "viral" that describes fast, self-multiplying spread.