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 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 The other is methemoglobinemia, a condition where hemoglobin is oxidized into a form that can’t release oxygen to tissue. — Jesse M. Pines, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 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
  • The evolution of land plants and the development of soil go hand in hand—as these pioneering plants, trees, and animals died and their decomposing remains were recycled on land, by fungi and the first soil invertebrates, modern soils began to form.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Even poor Maggie the cat — the only living animal in Digger’s house and possibly one of the last living animals in the world — is decomposing in his arms, his sister (Sandra Hüller) says with a shudder.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of decompose
Verb
  • Green attributed it to rust since Pintaro has been sick over the last few days.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 Sep. 2026
  • This is particularly necessary for knives made from high-carbon steel, which are prone to rusting.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of rust
Verb
  • The video cuts to flashback of similar experiences in which Swift, his then-companion, reacted more angrily to his infractions.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Instead of using ink, a receipt printer applies heat to this thermal paper, causing the bisphenol and the dye to react and changing the dye from colorless to black.
    — Sean McCann, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of react
Verb
  • Studying an intact oarfish is remarkably difficult because their bodies typically disintegrate into brittle segments upon death.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The white outer layer started to disintegrate before the audience’s eyes, eventually washing away to reveal a fire-red corseted bodysuit and miniskirt underneath—a pleasingly literal interpretation of the tour’s title.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of disintegrate
Verb
  • During her time in office, the city has weathered federal immigration raids and witnessed a continuing exit of Hollywood jobs, while residents complain about dirty, crumbling streets and homeless encampments.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Hikers will uncover Romanesque ruins, ancient forests, crumbling monasteries, and orange groves along their way.
    — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of crumble
Verb
  • With each use, glass cleaners slowly etch and corrode stainless steel, permanently discoloring the finish on your appliances.
    — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Evolution isn’t only letting the bacteria’s survival kit corrode.
    — Canan Karakoç, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 2026.

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