toxic 1 of 2

toxic

2 of 2

noun

as in poison
a substance that by chemical action can kill or injure a living thing tested for toxics in the water supply

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of toxic
Adjective
The show — based on Hugh Howey’s trilogy of dystopian novels Wool, Shift and Dust — explores the lives of the last 10,000 people on Earth who live in a mile-deep silo complex, at arm's length from a toxic outside world. Audrey Schmidt, People.com, 3 Aug. 2025 The use of toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, and practices such as river dredging, cause severe environmental harm. Marian Selorm Sapah, Space.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
The more stringent standards effectively limit emissions of other toxics, including benzene, lead and arsenic. Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025 The toxics killed fish and wildlife, closed beaches, and endangered environmentally sensitive areas. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for toxic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toxic
Adjective
  • If touched, the toad’s poisonous glands emit toxins that can be rapidly absorbed in your dog’s bloodstream and kill her quickly.
    Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025
  • While every season is different depending on the location, some of the past challenges have included walking across a tightrope over a cliff, rescuing themselves from a sinking car and invading a crate filled with poisonous gases and chemicals.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • For example, researchers showcased that an AI system for detecting and protecting us from toxic poisons could easily be adjusted to craft new toxic mixtures that can wipe us out (see my coverage at the link here).
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • On Tuesday, defense attorney Ashley Whitham didn't dispute that Angela had poison in her system, or that James was having an affair.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 16 July 2025
Noun
  • Water plants in the morning so foliage dries quickly to reduce the risk of foliar diseases.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Myths, folk tales, and negative media coverage mean people often link these flying mammals to vampires or blame them for disease outbreaks.
    Anna Tunkova, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Even boiling or filtering the water will not remove the toxins from the water and can even increase the risk of sickness, the release stated.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Botulism is a rare but serious illness that’s generally caused by food tainted by the toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 30 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Toxic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toxic. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on toxic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!