antioxidant

noun

an·​ti·​ox·​i·​dant ˌan-tē-ˈäk-sə-dənt How to pronounce antioxidant (audio)
ˌan-ˌtī-
: a substance (such as beta-carotene or vitamin C) that inhibits oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen, peroxides, or free radicals
antioxidant adjective

Examples of antioxidant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Rich in vitamins, beta-carotene, fatty acids, and antioxidants, Cica is celebrated for its ability to soothe irritation, support repair, and protect the skin’s barrier. Alice Abbiadati, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026 Dietitians say the fruit's sweet pulp and tiny seeds provide both soluble and insoluble fiber, helping improve regularity while also supplying antioxidants and key minerals that support overall health. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 3 Jan. 2026 The pomegranate tree is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub with fruit rich in antioxidants, fiber, and other vitamins and minerals. Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026 Some microbes possess unique metabolic genes that enable them to produce antimicrobial polymers for medicine, antioxidants like zeaxanthin for eye health, and molecules with anticancer properties. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for antioxidant

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antioxidant was in 1919

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Cite this Entry

“Antioxidant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antioxidant. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

antioxidant

noun
an·​ti·​ox·​i·​dant ˌant-ē-ˈäk-səd-ənt How to pronounce antioxidant (audio)
ˌan-ˌtī-
: a substance that opposes oxidation or prevents or makes difficult reactions made easier by oxygen

Medical Definition

antioxidant

noun
an·​ti·​ox·​i·​dant ˌant-ē-ˈäk-səd-ənt, ˌan-ˌtī- How to pronounce antioxidant (audio)
: any of various substances (as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and alpha-tocopherol) that inhibit oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen and peroxides and that include many held to protect the living body from the deleterious effects of free radicals
antioxidant adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on antioxidant

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