antioxidant

noun

an·​ti·​ox·​i·​dant ˌan-tē-ˈäk-sə-dənt 

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

Rainbow berry jam Berries are filled with polyphenols, which are antioxidants found in plants that can help defend against inflammation and boost cell health. —Michiko Tomioka, CNBC, 6 June 2025

Coxwell highlights the Beet Ginger Blend, a sweet blend full of antioxidants, as von Furstenberg’s personal favorite. —Moná Thomas, People.com, 6 June 2025

These and other intensely colored plants are jam-packed with antioxidants, which can reduce the inflammation at the root of many chronic diseases. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 6 June 2025

These foods are high in a range of antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids, which fight free radicals and oxidative stress, protecting the neurons in the brain. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 3 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for antioxidant

• oxidant

Kids Definition

antioxidant

noun

an·​ti·​ox·​i·​dant ˌant-ē-ˈäk-səd-ənt 

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- 

: 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