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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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 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 These oxidizing species can chemically react with the membrane that surrounds a bacterium, damaging and destroying it. — Rahul Rao, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oxidize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for oxidize

Verb

The first responding officer opened one of the suitcases and discovered a woman's decomposing body -- naked, bound with rope and in a fetal position.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
Remnants of a wooden spear weren’t found near the Neanderthal’s remains, which is understandable since the material often decomposes so quickly.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of decompose

Verb

Some classic stuffing recipes call for plain white bread, which will likely absorb too much moisture and disintegrate.

— Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026
Whatever one believes about the allegations against the couple, the devastation of watching an academic and media career disintegrate in real time is difficult to dismiss.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of disintegrate

Verb

As ocean levels rise, waves crash farther inland and the coast continues to crumble, Southern California is on track to lose 30 to 70% of its beaches over the next several decades.

— Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Jarman pointed out, rightly, that in the 1630s, the walls wouldn’t have been crumbling at all.

— Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of crumble

Verb

Over time, this mixture corrodes structural metals while radiation weakens them from within.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Deterioration is exacerbated if water reaches the steel rebar, corroding from inside the concrete mass and thereby weakening the integrity of the wall.

— Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 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 23 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of oxidize

verb

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