: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C6H6 used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel
Examples of benzene in a Sentence
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Scientific studies have shown that this process, which produces large, bright orange flames, releases toxic chemicals like benzene and hydrogen sulphide into the atmosphere, as well as the greenhouse gas methane.
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Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 27 May 2026
In a statement on Wednesday, the environmental group said generators release air pollutants, such as benzene, formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides, that are harming the nearby Big Cypress National Preserve.
—Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
California officials announced two everyday air contaminants — acrolein and ethylene oxide — may be over 10 times more carcinogenic than benzene, posing unacceptable cancer risks to the state’s residents.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
The chemicals found included lead, benzene, and methylene chloride, each linked to serious long-term health consequences including cancer and reproductive harm.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 11 May 2026
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Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 27 May 2026
In a statement on Wednesday, the environmental group said generators release air pollutants, such as benzene, formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides, that are harming the nearby Big Cypress National Preserve.
—Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
California officials announced two everyday air contaminants — acrolein and ethylene oxide — may be over 10 times more carcinogenic than benzene, posing unacceptable cancer risks to the state’s residents.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
The chemicals found included lead, benzene, and methylene chloride, each linked to serious long-term health consequences including cancer and reproductive harm.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for benzene
Cite this Entry
“Benzene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzene. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
benzene
noun
ben·zene
ˈben-ˌzēn 
ben-ˈzēn
: a colorless flammable liquid that evaporates easily and is used to make or dissolve other chemicals or as a motor fuel
Medical Definition
: a colorless volatile flammable toxic liquid aromatic hydrocarbon C6H6 used in organic synthesis, as a solvent, and as a motor fuel
called also benzol
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