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 vitamin also acts as an antioxidant, helping to keep immune cells healthy by neutralizing free radicals, which are molecules found in harmful substances like pollution, cigarette smoke, and radiation that can damage cells and DNA.
—
Danielle Zickl, Health, 5 Dec. 2025
In November, Californians passed Proposition 50, which shifts the state’s map to be more conducive to Democratic candidates, therefore possibly neutralizing the Texas plan.
—Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
Once the Pats neutralized Pro Bowl edge rusher Brian Burns (one QB hit, zero sacks) and blocked up New York's interior blitzes, the Giants were drawing dead.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 3 Dec. 2025
In addition, biofilms impose a physical barrier that restricts what crosses its border, such that saliva can no longer do its job of neutralizing acid as well.
—Jacqueline Abranches, The Conversation, 2 Dec. 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.
Danielle Zickl, Health, 5 Dec. 2025
In November, Californians passed Proposition 50, which shifts the state’s map to be more conducive to Democratic candidates, therefore possibly neutralizing the Texas plan.
—Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
Once the Pats neutralized Pro Bowl edge rusher Brian Burns (one QB hit, zero sacks) and blocked up New York's interior blitzes, the Giants were drawing dead.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 3 Dec. 2025
In addition, biofilms impose a physical barrier that restricts what crosses its border, such that saliva can no longer do its job of neutralizing acid as well.
—Jacqueline Abranches, The Conversation, 2 Dec. 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 8 Dec. 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