toxin

noun

ˈtäk-sən How to pronounce toxin (audio)
Definition of toxinnext
as in poison
a substance that by chemical action can kill or injure a living thing read a pamphlet on the toxin responsible for botulism, a food poisoning that can cause paralysis and even death in some cases

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of toxin The species has considerable economic value as a pet, and its toxin is a source of pharmacologically important biochemicals. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026 The venom contains toxins that accelerate clotting, disturb the nervous system, and can cause sudden cardiovascular collapse. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026 These spores are also packed with toxins that cause anthrax in humans and other animal species. — Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 5 Aug. 2026 Across Mesoamerica, archaeologists had unearthed a preponderance of toad artifacts, including detailed depictions of the parotid glands (located at the top of the neck) in which toads produce their defense toxins. — Kimon De Greef, Longreads, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for toxin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toxin
  1. poison
  2. toxic
  3. disease
  4. venom
Noun
  • Aemond, still recovering from his mother’s poison, is mopier than usual, begging Alys to be left alone.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In 1998, voters passed Proposition 4, which banned certain traps and animal poisons for recreational and commercial animal trapping.
    — Tim Fang, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of poison
Noun
  • In late May, about 50,000 people in Orange County were evacuated because, at a Garden Grove site operated by GKN Aerospace, tanks holding a volatile hazardous chemical called methyl methacrylate were at risk of exploding or leaking toxics.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
  • Munoz is an independent toxicologist working in collaboration with MAHA against pesticides and toxics.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
Definition of toxic
Noun
  • The study’s findings also highlight the need for physicians to be alert to early signs of disease and consider blood pressure treatment, even in younger people, according to Freeman.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Etzel noted that the order makes several significant changes, which include reducing the number of diseases targeted by childhood vaccines and separating the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine into individual shots.
    — Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of disease
Noun
  • Ultimately, the snakes posing the greatest danger are often not those with the strongest venom, but those most likely to encounter people far from adequate healthcare.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The venom is mildly toxic to mammals such as mice, and it is reported to only cause inflammation and skin discoloration in humans.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of venom

Browse Nearby Words

toxics
toxin
toxins
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Cite this Entry

“Toxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toxin. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on toxin

Nglish: Translation of toxin for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about toxin

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