OXIDIZE Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

oxidize

verb

Definition of oxidize

as in to decompose

to combine chemically with oxygen Iron will oxidize if it is exposed to air and moisture.

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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 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 The palettes are often chalky and austere—bleached grays, oxidized browns—and the subject matter can blur into undifferentiated bulk. — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 23 June 2026 While the electron travels to the cathode to reduce carbon dioxide, the remaining hole simultaneously oxidizes the biomass molecule 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furoic acid (HMFA), thereby executing two distinct chemical upgrades at the same time. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for oxidize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oxidize

Verb

What remains that haven’t been scavenged have decomposed to the point where DNA analysis is difficult and all but useless in Gaza, where there are no functioning laboratories able to test and compare samples.

— Bilal Shbeir, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Earwigs primarily feed on plants and decomposing organic matter and do not infest or damage stored food in the way some beetles, weevils, and moths might.

— Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026

Definition of decompose

Verb

Boltanski’s haunting installation consists of rusting archive boxes stacked to form dark, narrow passageways.

— Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026
The cart is carefully constructed with a wood-like resin frame and cabinets that are especially durable and resistant to rust, mildew, and intense UV rays.

— Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 July 2026

Definition of rust

Verb

In the two-thousands, after the State disintegrated, Wain and two other members, Michael Showalter and Michael Ian Black, formed the trio Stella, which helped define New York’s downtown alt-comedy scene.

— Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 5 July 2026
That changed in April 2023 when unknowing construction workers unceremoniously removed a disintegrating Pinky from its eyrie.

— Ryan Steven Green, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

Definition of disintegrate

Verb

Throughout the album, mary in the junkyard shift constantly, moving from crumbling atmospheric experiments to cloudy Pacific Northwest indie rock to the kind of straightforward classical guitar poems of Leonard Cohen’s early albums.

— Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 7 July 2026
An islandwide blackout plunged Cuba’s nearly 10 million residents into darkness Monday, exposing a crumbling power grid and dwindling fuel reserves as officials raced to restore electricity.

— Milexsy Durán, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of crumble

Verb

Our first commercial tactile gloves failed within a week because some people's hands are sweaty enough to corrode the wiring.

— Rushil Agarwal, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Affected cars have driver's side airbags with connectors that may corrode, which could cause the airbag to not deploy and increase the risk of injury or death.

— Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 25 June 2026

Definition of corrode

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oxcarts

oxidize

oxidized

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“Oxidize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oxidize. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of oxidize

verb

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