neutralize
verb
neu·tral·ize
ˈnü-trə-ˌlīz 
ˈnyü-
neutralized; neutralizing
1
: to make chemically neutral
2
3
: to make electrically inert by combining equal positive and negative quantities
4
: to invest (a territory, a nation, etc.) with conventional or obligatory neutrality conferring inviolability during a war
5
: to make neutral by blending with the complementary color
6
: to give (a pair of phonemes) a nondistinctive form or pronunciation
\t\ and \d\ are neutralized when pronounced as flaps
: to undergo neutralization
neutralizer
noun
Examples of neutralize in a Sentence
The soldiers tried to neutralize the attack by dividing the invading army.
This medicine neutralizes stomach acids.
The lands between the warring countries were neutralized.
Recent Examples on the Web
The idea of carrying that many left-handers wouldn’t just be to get those guys out of the game or to neutralize a Schwarber or Harper.
—
Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2025
The Fever closed out the game from the line with Sims – who had 18 points – and Mitchell combining to hit five of six in the final seconds to neutralize Aces star Chelsea Gray’s back-to-back three pointers.
—Frank Nunns O'Connell 11 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Chuba Hubbard has essentially been neutralized by the scoreboard to begin the season.
—Mike Kaye
september 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2025
But its resonance can be easily neutralized when enjoying the M8 as a convertible.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for neutralize
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.
Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2025
The Fever closed out the game from the line with Sims – who had 18 points – and Mitchell combining to hit five of six in the final seconds to neutralize Aces star Chelsea Gray’s back-to-back three pointers.
—Frank Nunns O'Connell 11 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Chuba Hubbard has essentially been neutralized by the scoreboard to begin the season.
—Mike Kaye
september 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2025
But its resonance can be easily neutralized when enjoying the M8 as a convertible.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for neutralize
Cite this Entry
“Neutralize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutralize. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
neutralize
verb
neu·tral·ize
ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌlīz
neutralized; neutralizing
1
: to make chemically neutral
neutralize an acid with a base
2
: to make ineffective : nullify
neutralize an opponent's move
3
: to make electrically neutral by combining equal positive and negative quantities
4
: to make politically neutral
neutralize a country
neutralization
noun
ˌn(y)ü-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən
neutralizer
noun
ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌlī-zər
Medical Definition
neutralize
verb
neu·tral·ize
variants
also British neutralise
neutralized also British neutralised; neutralizing also British neutralising
1
: to make chemically neutral
2
a
: to counteract the activity or effect of : make ineffective
b
: to counteract the refractive power of (a lens) by combining it with one or more other lenses
3
: to make electrically inert by combining equal positive and negative quantities
: to undergo neutralization
neutralizer
noun
also British neutraliser
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share