as in to decompose
to combine chemically with oxygen
Iron will oxidize if it is exposed to air and moisture.
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Recent Examples of oxidize
That ozone then reacts with organic compounds and oxidizes them, removing them from your clothes as effectively as detergent, but without the chemical runoff.
—
Anthony Karcz, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
During processing, Oolong tea is partially oxidized (10% to 70%).
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025
The surface of the steel post holding the Lumi sign, hoisted atop of its perch one year ago, has further oxidized.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2025
As ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, permeates the skin it is oxidized, generating an electric current that is proportional to the number of ethanol molecules the device picks up.
—Emily Waltz, IEEE Spectrum, 19 May 2016
See All Example Sentences for oxidize
Anthony Karcz, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
During processing, Oolong tea is partially oxidized (10% to 70%).
—Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025
The surface of the steel post holding the Lumi sign, hoisted atop of its perch one year ago, has further oxidized.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2025
As ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, permeates the skin it is oxidized, generating an electric current that is proportional to the number of ethanol molecules the device picks up.
—Emily Waltz, IEEE Spectrum, 19 May 2016
See All Example Sentences for oxidize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oxidize
Verb
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The farm worked with Ducks Unlimited for a different conservation easement applicable to its rice fields, and was an early adopter of post-harvest flood practices to decompose rice straw left over from harvest.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
4 Sep. 2025
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While strontium aluminate can readily decompose in plants, posing harm to plant tissue, Liu said, the scientists developed a chemical coating for the material that acts as a protective barrier.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Facilities should ensure that slides are properly secured to the ground and equipment isn’t rusting.—
Carrie Lukas,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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Wood handles fade and dry out, and the rivets rust.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Just six months ago, Mako could not be touched on his face without showing his teeth and would react to any abrupt hand movements.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
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Since people react differently, some foods may cause symptoms in one person but not affect another.—
Lindsey DeSoto,
Health,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Before flight 10, Starship's most recent demonstration came on May 27, when the spacecraft spun out of control roughly halfway through its flight and disintegrated in a fireball.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
28 Aug. 2025
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The situation quickly disintegrated as Joseph Gerber, 45, who had an outstanding felony warrant, fired first and wounded Mancera.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
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That this team won’t crumble in the face of adversity.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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Decades of underinvestment have left the country with congested highways, crumbling bridges, crowded airports — and a disjointed passenger rail network that is underfunded and unreliable.—
Ben Jones,
CNN Money,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Acidic ingredients can corrode the foil, causing aluminum to leach into the food, which may result in a metallic taste.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
31 Aug. 2025
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Risk perceptions keep capital in safe markets, compliance-heavy rules choke local access, and misinformation corrodes trust in the very tools meant to help.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oxidize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oxidize. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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