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 Chloride ions readily attack many alloys, while components around the oxygen-producing anode side are simultaneously subject to strongly oxidizing electrochemical potentials. — New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026 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 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 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
  • Los Angeles also struggles with an ongoing homelessness crisis — filthy encampments and rows of rusting RVs are a common sight in many neighborhoods.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • But the ship was rusted and its engine and generators faulty, Khan said.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of rust
Verb
  • The Moon’s square to Uranus favors checking the information before reacting to the inconvenience.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2026
  • These gases react with one another, so their simultaneous presence can suggest that biological processes are replenishing them.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of react
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
  • Before it was demolished in the early 1800s, his crumbling mansion was said to be haunted by ghosts and strange occurrences.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • While the bread is toasting, cook sausage in a large skillet, crumbling it into pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned, 3 minutes.
    — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of crumble
Verb
  • Early molten salt methods failed to keep the salt bath from corroding the valuable silicon substrate.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
  • 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
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 7 Nov. 2026.

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