tenderize
verb
ten·der·ize
ˈten-də-ˌrīz 
tenderized; tenderizing
: to make (meat or meat products) tender by applying a process or substance that breaks down connective tissue
Examples of tenderize in a Sentence
The marinade helps to tenderize the meat.
Recent Examples on the Web
The vinegar in mayo helps tenderize the meat; the fat and egg seals in flavor and helps create a golden-brown crust, and the fat prevents the chicken from drying out while evenly distributing the flavors.
—
Dallas Morning News, 18 Jan. 2026
Traditionally, minute steaks are cooked quickly (hence the name), but slow simmering the beef in this recipe tenderizes the cube steaks, so that the meat is crisp on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026
Staff start tenderizing a lamb early in the afternoon to be flame-grilled alongside beef, pita, peppers and zucchini, and guanaco, a relative of the llama native to South America.
—Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
In the Russian version featured here — a perennial favorite with my family — brisket is marinated in lemon juice, which tenderizes it and provides the sour backdrop for the sweet and tangy chili sauce that comes later.
—Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tenderize
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Dallas Morning News, 18 Jan. 2026
Traditionally, minute steaks are cooked quickly (hence the name), but slow simmering the beef in this recipe tenderizes the cube steaks, so that the meat is crisp on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026
Staff start tenderizing a lamb early in the afternoon to be flame-grilled alongside beef, pita, peppers and zucchini, and guanaco, a relative of the llama native to South America.
—Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
In the Russian version featured here — a perennial favorite with my family — brisket is marinated in lemon juice, which tenderizes it and provides the sour backdrop for the sweet and tangy chili sauce that comes later.
—Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tenderize
Cite this Entry
“Tenderize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenderize. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tenderize
verb
ten·der·ize
ˈten-də-ˌrīz
tenderized; tenderizing
: to make (meat or meat products) tender by using a process or substance that breaks down connective tissue
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