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 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 These oxidizing species can chemically react with the membrane that surrounds a bacterium, damaging and destroying it. — Rahul Rao, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026 The other is methemoglobinemia, a condition where hemoglobin is oxidized into a form that can’t release oxygen to tissue. — Jesse M. Pines, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oxidize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oxidize

Verb

Even worse, the process of trying to decompose those grounds can deprive your orchid of nutrients.

— Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2026
McGraw said their policy is to allow carcasses to decompose naturally, which is similar to rules followed by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Cotter said.

— Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of decompose

Verb

The video cuts to flashback of similar experiences in which Swift, his then-companion, reacted more angrily to his infractions.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
Instead of using ink, a receipt printer applies heat to this thermal paper, causing the bisphenol and the dye to react and changing the dye from colorless to black.

— Sean McCann, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of react

Verb

After 14 years of exploration, the Galileo spacecraft intentionally fell into Jupiter and disintegrated in the planet's dense atmosphere.

— Tariq Malik, Space.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Scott’s face, in this shot, is a whole novel, disintegrating into tears before being shored up again, eventually rearranged into something resembling a welcoming smile that teeters on the edge of collapse.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of disintegrate

Verb

During her time in office, the city has weathered federal immigration raids and witnessed a continuing exit of Hollywood jobs, while residents complain about dirty, crumbling streets and homeless encampments.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
Hikers will uncover Romanesque ruins, ancient forests, crumbling monasteries, and orange groves along their way.

— Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of crumble

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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 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of oxidize

verb

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