OXIDIZE Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

oxidize

verb

Definition of oxidize

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 Solar ultraviolet photons break apart bonds in molecules, creating radicals, which oxidize VOCs. — Michael A. Robinson, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 Another common sign is rancidity, which occurs when the natural oils in the peanuts oxidize after prolonged exposure to air, light, or heat, Cutter says. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 22 Aug. 2026 The sun really did a number on it, oxidizing the paint, while water also found its way into one of the engines. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 20 Aug. 2026 These oxidizing species can chemically react with the membrane that surrounds a bacterium, damaging and destroying it. — Rahul Rao, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oxidize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oxidize

Verb

The body of 76-year-old Ronald Tyler was already decomposing by the time his daughter Terri found out where he was being stored.

— Dave Savini, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
The coins were originally buried together in a container made of organic material that has since decomposed, archaeologists believe.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of decompose

Verb

With each impact, Sarah’s face disintegrates into a bloodier pulp, her bone structure buckling under every successive thud until Nikki has finally and irrevocably rendered the character a faceless corpse.

— Chris Lee, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
The space shuttle Columbia disintegrated during reentry because of a piece of foam that the astronaut estimates might have weighed about as much as a Styrofoam container.

— Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of disintegrate

Verb

Meanwhile, the institutions that once policed this behavior are crumbling, and the new ones emerging in their place seem like they’re engineered to reward it.

— Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026
Nearly a third of its education budget is eaten up by pensions, so its poorer schools are crumbling.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of crumble

Verb

The problem, however, is its high chloride content, which can corrode electrodes and other electrolyzer components, and also trigger unwanted reactions that produce toxic chlorine compounds.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
Two days later, the company confirmed a delivery received the prior week had been dripping hydrofluoric acid — a chemical that corrodes metal and can produce toxic fumes.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of corrode

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oxcarts

oxidize

oxidized

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“Oxidize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oxidize. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of oxidize

verb

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