corrosive
adjective
cor·ro·sive
kə-ˈrō-siv 
-ziv
1
: tending or having the power to corrode
corrosive acids
corrosive action
the corrosive effects of alcoholism
2
: bitingly sarcastic
corrosive satire
corrosive
noun
corrosively
adverb
corrosiveness
noun
Synonyms of corrosive
Examples of corrosive in a Sentence
She argues that racism is dangerous and corrosive to society.
a corrosive satire on the fashion industry and its movers and shakers
Recent Examples on the Web
Lawlor’s account helps explain why this contempt is so corrosive.
—
Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Fugard, who died last year, played a role in bringing international attention to the injustices of his homeland through plays that chronicled the human toll of such corrosive governmental policies.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
And even when the accusations are less legally serious than those leveled against Swalwell, the culture of turning a blind eye is deeply corrosive.
—Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
Its corrosive effects are still felt everywhere — and Tallahassee is a prime example.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for corrosive
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Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Fugard, who died last year, played a role in bringing international attention to the injustices of his homeland through plays that chronicled the human toll of such corrosive governmental policies.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
And even when the accusations are less legally serious than those leveled against Swalwell, the culture of turning a blind eye is deeply corrosive.
—Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
Its corrosive effects are still felt everywhere — and Tallahassee is a prime example.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for corrosive
Cite this Entry
“Corrosive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corrosive. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
corrosive
adjective
cor·ro·sive
kə-ˈrō-siv
-ziv
: tending or having the power to corrode
corrosive acids
corrosive
noun
corrosively
adverb
corrosiveness
noun
Medical Definition
corrosive
1 of 2 adjective
cor·ro·sive
-ˈrō-siv, -ziv
: tending or having the power to corrode
corrosive acids
a corrosive gas
corrosiveness
noun
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