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 These highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules can then oxidize organic substrates. — New Atlas, 3 July 2026 These work by releasing oxygen bubbles that literally oxidize the stains and dinginess. — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 But recent studies have shown that erosion can also emit CO2 by oxidizing organic carbon contained in eroding sediments. — Howard Lee, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026 Black Tea Black tea is fermented (oxidized). — Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 24 June 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
  • Authorities said the remains included bones believed to belong to four newborns and the decomposing body of a fifth.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026
  • Ament revisited his archive of decomposing negatives with his brother, designer Barry Ament, a few years ago.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 29 July 2026
Definition of decompose
Verb
  • Today, the city’s Ferris wheel and bumper cars sit rusting untouched, the surrounding apartment blocks standing hollowed out by looters and the natural decay of time passed while trees push through the pavement where playgrounds once stood.
    — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026
  • Dax Poprawski, whose relatives work in the business, was sorry to see that the track had been reduced to a skeleton of itself, with rusting, exposed steel beams and weeds growing around it.
    — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026
Definition of rust
Verb
  • Days after hearing of Holloway’s death from breast cancer at 79 on July 18, according to her nephew, Miami Dade College students reacted.
    — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
  • The Stand by Me alum reacted to claims Giuliana made about the end of their relationship in her 2016 memoir Off Script.
    — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 2026
Definition of react
Verb
  • Comedy is a delicate object; a funny play on words in one language might disintegrate in another.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 30 July 2026
  • The breakaway Super League succumbed to the pressure and disintegrated quickly, with nine of its founding members withdrawing in a matter of days.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of disintegrate
Verb
  • Inspired by the bright, herb-forward flavors of traditional Middle Eastern tabbouleh, this hearty variation replaces bulgur with fluffy couscous and adds roasted eggplant and crumbled feta for extra substance and depth.
    — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
  • Tribal leaders warn that unstable oversight and crumbling facilities endanger Native students’ futures.
    — Savannah Peters, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of crumble
Verb
  • The salt can harm fish and other wildlife, and corrode bridges and automobiles.
    — Nathaniel Warner, The Conversation, 24 July 2026
  • Cleaning vinegar should not be used on surfaces that corrode or pit, like natural stone, aluminum, and cast iron.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 July 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 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on oxidize

Nglish: Translation of oxidize for Spanish Speakers

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