as in to decompose
to combine chemically with oxygen
Iron will oxidize if it is exposed to air and moisture.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
For that to work, plant cells actually oxidize a carbon back off, releasing carbon dioxide, in order to create a two-carbon source for building lipids.
—
ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
What's more, the oxidizing process would simply start again, and the entire structure would turn green again in a few short years.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Over time, the reduced iron (Fe2+) will lose an electron and oxidize to rust (Fe3+).
—Amy J. Williams, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025
Today, the entire industrialized world is held up by the energy released by oxidizing organic carbon back to CO2.
—Peter Brannen, Big Think, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oxidize
ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
What's more, the oxidizing process would simply start again, and the entire structure would turn green again in a few short years.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Over time, the reduced iron (Fe2+) will lose an electron and oxidize to rust (Fe3+).
—Amy J. Williams, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025
Today, the entire industrialized world is held up by the energy released by oxidizing organic carbon back to CO2.
—Peter Brannen, Big Think, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oxidize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oxidize
Verb
-
These clippings decompose rapidly, enhancing soil quality and providing nutrients for your turf grass.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Water molecules in the electrolyte tend to decompose, and zinc deposits unevenly, forming dendrites that can cause short circuits.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The red planet owes its distinctive hue to an oxidizing process that rusts iron present in the rocks and dust of Mars.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Protect Your Lawn Mower A coating of WD-40 will protect your lawn mower parts from rusting and corrosion.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Parents noted that a quick battery install and setup is needed at first, but once running, the robot keeps the ball in play while challenging kids to block, kick, and react fast.—
Emily Glover,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Santi Comesana then saw a shot tipped onto the post by Mattia Perin before Arnau Tenas reacted brilliantly to deny Weston McKennie.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
When breaking down what the heck happened over the last four months, the first item on the list is the way New York’s starting rotation disintegrated.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Her life starts to disintegrate as she becomes embroiled in the world of The Worrall Family.—
Nancy Tartaglione,
Deadline,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
By the end, the old Wembley was best viewed from a distance — ideally 15 or 20 years’ distance as the crumbling concrete and antiquated facilities meant the Empire Stadium belonged in the same bygone era as its official name.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
The recent protests were triggered by the deaths of several pregnant women following routine C-sections in the coastal city of Agadir, spotlighting the crumbling healthcare system.—
Kara Fox,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Generated when biomass, such as crop residues, wood, or other organic matter, is heated to produce clean energy, bio-tar can clog pipelines, corrode equipment, and release harmful compounds into the atmosphere if not managed carefully.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Choose an ammonia-free cleaner since ammonia can corrode metals and potentially etch glass over time.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oxidize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oxidize. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share