oxidize

verb

Definition of oxidizenext
as in to decompose
to combine chemically with oxygen Iron will oxidize if it is exposed to air and moisture.

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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 oxidize These work by releasing oxygen bubbles that literally oxidize the stains and dinginess. — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 But recent studies have shown that erosion can also emit CO2 by oxidizing organic carbon contained in eroding sediments. — Howard Lee, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026 Black Tea Black tea is fermented (oxidized). — Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 24 June 2026 The palettes are often chalky and austere—bleached grays, oxidized browns—and the subject matter can blur into undifferentiated bulk. — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for oxidize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oxidize
  1. decompose
  2. rust
  3. react
  4. disintegrate
  5. crumble
  6. corrode
Verb
  • What remains that haven’t been scavenged have decomposed to the point where DNA analysis is difficult and all but useless in Gaza, where there are no functioning laboratories able to test and compare samples.
    — Bilal Shbeir, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Earwigs primarily feed on plants and decomposing organic matter and do not infest or damage stored food in the way some beetles, weevils, and moths might.
    — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
Definition of decompose
Verb
  • Mercantile scales and rusted bird cages are scattered across crowded shelves.
    — Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
  • In addition to the physical manifestation — the rusting fort jutting out of the water — Sealand will stay alive online, due in large part to the very idea of its founding.
    — Brit McCandless Farmer, CBS News, 12 July 2026
Definition of rust
Verb
  • The social media ban has been controversial, with American tech giants unsurprisingly reacting with alarm.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 July 2026
  • Based on my research, students with PSU will most likely not react well to bans in school.
    — Elizabeth Dowdell, Fortune, 15 July 2026
Definition of react
Verb
  • In the two-thousands, after the State disintegrated, Wain and two other members, Michael Showalter and Michael Ian Black, formed the trio Stella, which helped define New York’s downtown alt-comedy scene.
    — Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 5 July 2026
  • That changed in April 2023 when unknowing construction workers unceremoniously removed a disintegrating Pinky from its eyrie.
    — Ryan Steven Green, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Definition of disintegrate
Verb
  • Six months later, the longtime Sacramento Executive Airport institution remains closed after crews uncovered crumbling concrete, corroded rebar, asbestos and mold.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • But cliffs tend to crumble slowly over time, punctuated with a sudden collapse.
    — Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of crumble
Verb
  • Our first commercial tactile gloves failed within a week because some people's hands are sweaty enough to corrode the wiring.
    — Rushil Agarwal, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Affected cars have driver's side airbags with connectors that may corrode, which could cause the airbag to not deploy and increase the risk of injury or death.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Definition of corrode

Browse Nearby Words

oxcarts
oxidize
oxidized
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Cite this Entry

“Oxidize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oxidize. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on oxidize

Nglish: Translation of oxidize for Spanish Speakers

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