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.

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 The oils in natural almond, peanut, and cashew butters, as well as tahini, can separate and oxidize more rapidly in warm kitchens, leading to off-flavors and a shorter shelf life. — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 1 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
  • The catalyst causes hydrogen peroxide to decompose rapidly into water and oxygen gas.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 July 2026
  • In the mornings, our counselors still walk, slowly now, through the stench of bodies decomposing under the ruins of schools, mosques, and homes.
    — James Gordon, Time, 14 July 2026
Definition of decompose
Verb
  • Mercantile scales and rusted bird cages are scattered across crowded shelves.
    — Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
  • In addition to the physical manifestation — the rusting fort jutting out of the water — Sealand will stay alive online, due in large part to the very idea of its founding.
    — Brit McCandless Farmer, CBS News, 12 July 2026
Definition of rust
Verb
  • As cleaning pro Sara Aparacio explains, this combination works because the citric acid from the lemon juice reacts with the iron in the rust, while the salt works as a mild abrasive to help lift the stain.
    — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 22 July 2026
  • That longer-term line will be critical to watch if the stock reacts negatively to earnings.
    — Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 22 July 2026
Definition of react
Verb
  • Flights in early 2025, though, ended in a series of failures including two in which the Starship upper stage disintegrated in a fiery cascade of debris across the skies visible from Florida and the Caribbean.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 July 2026
  • Rainfall likely caused any additional meteorite fragments that fell outside to disintegrate.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 15 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
  • Whether such goals can be achieved, and whether failing to achieve them will corrode public support, is another matter.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • The acidity in bird droppings can corrode metal, stain wood, dull finishes, and etch paint if left too long.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 18 July 2026
Definition of corrode

Browse Nearby Words

oxcarts
oxidize
oxidized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oxidize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oxidize. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on oxidize

Nglish: Translation of oxidize for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of maverick

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
thumbnail graphic with text word of the day quiz
Weekly "Word of the Day" Quiz See how well you know each Word of the Day for Ju...
See All