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
In the hole, life drops away quickly as oxygen disappears, below the surface (Oxic Zone) and transition levels (Suboxic Zone); at 100-140 m (330-460 ft), the third layer called the Anoxic Zone I is almost completely dominated by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria.
—
New Atlas, 28 Dec. 2025
For the headstrong, maternal Agnes, who is spiritually caught between the modern world and a more ancient, primal place, Turzanska used a palette of sanguine, rust, russet, crimson, and prune, inspired by the different stages of blood—from freshly oxidized to aged, clotted, and scabbed.
—Elaina Patton, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2025
Each chamber isolates a different set of actives that would otherwise destabilize, oxidize, or lose strength if mixed together in a standard bottle.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Nov. 2025
Those flies themselves depend on sulfur-oxidizing microbes as their primary food source.
—Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oxidize
New Atlas, 28 Dec. 2025
For the headstrong, maternal Agnes, who is spiritually caught between the modern world and a more ancient, primal place, Turzanska used a palette of sanguine, rust, russet, crimson, and prune, inspired by the different stages of blood—from freshly oxidized to aged, clotted, and scabbed.
—Elaina Patton, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2025
Each chamber isolates a different set of actives that would otherwise destabilize, oxidize, or lose strength if mixed together in a standard bottle.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Nov. 2025
Those flies themselves depend on sulfur-oxidizing microbes as their primary food source.
—Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oxidize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oxidize
Verb
-
To prevent the fallow area from turning into a weed patch, cover it with agricultural-grade plastic or a thick layer of slowly decomposing mulch such as wood chips.—
Nadia Hassani,
The Spruce,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Most paper products decompose in landfills within a couple of months, according to RecycleNation, a recycling technology company.—
Julia James,
Dallas Morning News,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
These prevent the tank itself from rusting and, if the rods are corroded, chances are your tank’s walls are next.—
Caroline Lubinsky,
Martha Stewart,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The same goes with cast-iron skillets, which can rust, and crystal, which can crack or grow cloudy.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Daily Show host Jon Stewart also reacted to his name being brought up in an email chain between Epstein and producer Barry Josephson, in which Josephson suggested someone like him could serve as a narrator on an upcoming project.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Feb. 2026
-
In today's environment, where inflation pressures haven't fully disappeared and energy costs remain unpredictable, different silver miners can react very differently to the same silver price move.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
By 2019, Virginia photographer John Plashal caught wind of what was disintegrating on Hankins' out-of-the-way acres.—
Danielle Paquette The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Around the world, states were disintegrating, climate systems were approaching tipping points, economies were stagnating, and inequality was rising.—
Billy Perrigo,
Time,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
George Washington's chin is crumbling.—
Danielle Paquette The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
17 Feb. 2026
-
After Malinin botched his final free in the singles competition, Cowan kept his distance as the skater crumbled into a grimace of abject disappointment.—
Colleen Barry,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Lead pipes can corrode and contaminate drinking water.—
Michael Phillis,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
-
In the guise of offering a form of protection, Golubski coöpted women into becoming instruments of the criminal-justice apparatus that corroded their community.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oxidize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oxidize. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
