oxidizes

verb

present tense third-person singular of oxidize
as in decomposes
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 oxidizes Peroxide oxidizes and breaks down the chemical bonds that color stains. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 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 Chlorinated water increases transepidermal water loss — meaning skin literally can’t hold onto hydration as well — and chlorine oxidizes hair proteins, leaving strands brittle and prone to breakage. — Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026 The entire composition is then exposed to a corrosive liquid, which oxidizes the copper in the textile, drawing out a chemical-looking green that circulates through the narrow channels between the foil sheets. — Theo Belci, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026 Oxidative Stability Matters More Than Smoke Point Instead of focusing on smoke point, experts say oxidative stability, or how easily an oil oxidizes and breaks down, is a better measure of quality and safety. — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 27 Oct. 2025 One of the trickiest aspects of fabricating the capacitors was working with the niobium diselenide, which oxidizes in seconds when exposed to air, according to Wang. — IEEE Spectrum, 7 Feb. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oxidizes
  1. decomposes
  2. rusts
  3. reacts
  4. disintegrates
  5. crumbles
  6. corrodes
  7. decays
Verb
  • 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
  • Named for the Frenchman Joseph Fourier, the Fourier transform decomposes any function into a set of simple waves, each with a different frequency, or tone.
    — Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of decomposes
Verb
  • The red planet owes its distinctive hue to an oxidizing process that rusts iron present in the rocks and dust of Mars.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Definition of rusts
Verb
  • Everyone reacts differently to the time change, but being adaptable makes the darkness a little easier on your physical and mental health, according to Richardson.
    — Amanda Callahan, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Duke’s Darren Harris reacts in the second half against Virginia during the finals of the ACC Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
    — Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of reacts
Verb
  • With each impact, Sarah’s face disintegrates into a bloodier pulp, her bone structure buckling under every successive thud until Nikki has finally and irrevocably rendered the character a faceless corpse.
    — Chris Lee, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Even those who can afford to stay suffer losses in home equity and lifestyle as the community around them disintegrates or disappears.
    — The Conversation, Fortune, 12 June 2026
Definition of disintegrates
Verb
  • When new, concrete possesses a thin, temporarily protective layer that, if not maintained, will wear away, exposing the interior, which gradually crumbles.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The Packers’ identity is that of a team that can’t shut the door, one that crumbles when momentum turns in a hostile away environment.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of crumbles
Verb
  • Two days later, the company confirmed a delivery received the prior week had been dripping hydrofluoric acid — a chemical that corrodes metal and can produce toxic fumes.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Over time, this mixture corrodes structural metals while radiation weakens them from within.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of corrodes
Verb
  • By writing an out-of-the-money call and an out-of-the-money put for late October, traders can harvest the elevated premium as time value rapidly decays.
    — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
  • This radioisotope decays into technetium-99m, an essential diagnostic imaging agent used to detect cancer and cardiovascular disease.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of decays

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Cite this Entry

“Oxidizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oxidizes. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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