NEUTRALIZE Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

neutralize

verb

ˈnü-trə-ˌlīz

Definition of neutralize

as in to offset

to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective a pro-government rally that is intended to neutralize the antiwar demonstrations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to assassinate

to put to death deliberately orders to find the renegade colonel and to neutralize him

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 neutralize Compared with kinetic interceptors, HPMs can neutralize multiple drones at once. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026 Now my own messy, inconvenient story had been absorbed and neutralized. — Claire Stapleton, New Yorker, 18 July 2026 Its odor-neutralizing technology helps guard against any harmful or unpleasant smells from the vacuum, keeping your home fresher. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 17 July 2026 Shoes, Slippers, and Accessories Freezing shoes, slippers, and accessories is a surprisingly effective method for neutralizing unwanted pests and microbes without harsh chemicals or damage. — Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for neutralize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for neutralize

Verb

As manufacturers worldwide search for ways to offset labor shortages and improve production efficiency, Shanghai Electric is positioning embodied AI as a practical tool for factory automation rather than a standalone robotics showcase.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026
The video and Internet losses were offset by Charter adding 406,000 mobile wireline subscribers, down from adding 500,000 total mobile wireline subscribers in the year-ago period.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026

Definition of offset

Verb

One of the most famous examples comes from Archbishop Óscar Romero, who was assassinated in 1980 and declared a saint by Pope Francis in 2018.

— Gina Perez, The Conversation, 21 July 2026
Then, a few weeks later, Israel blew up the ongoing talks by assassinating both Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas representative leading peace talks in Qatar, and Mohammed Deif, a top decision-maker inside Gaza.

— David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Definition of assassinate

Verb

High jump is a technical event — while physiology matters, the winner tends to be decided by who can best correct their errors as the bar goes up.

— Liam Tharme, New York Times, 25 July 2026
The difficult part was measuring the distortions accurately enough such that the correcting heat could be applied with exact precision.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of correct

Verb

Symbolism Historically, dragon-slaying stories portrayed the treasure hoard as the ultimate test of a hero’s character.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
Lizzie Borden’s father and stepmother were found slain by 29 (or 30) whacks in Fall River, Massachusetts.

— USA Today, USA Today, 21 July 2026

Definition of slay

Verb

Surpass the second apron, and a team loses its ability to execute most types of trades and most kinds of free-agent signings.

— Fred Katz, New York Times, 24 July 2026
From a fringed mullet, to a blonde buzz cut, bobs in various lengths, micro bangs, and even a shade of citrus—Kristen Stewart’s looks are always executed with an edge.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 July 2026

Definition of execute

Verb

Two people were killed and at least five others were injured in a shooting at Seattle Center on Sunday night as the civic center complex hosted a major food festival.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 27 July 2026
On Saturday night, Fort Worth police shot and killed another suspect who pulled a gun on officers following a short car chase that ended near the I-35W service road on the city’s far south side, Garcia said.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 July 2026