as in rusting
to combine chemically with oxygen
Iron will oxidize if it is exposed to air and moisture.
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Recent Examples of oxidizing
In the hole, life drops away quickly as oxygen disappears, below the surface (Oxic Zone) and transition levels (Suboxic Zone); at 100-140 m (330-460 ft), the third layer called the Anoxic Zone I is almost completely dominated by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria.
—
New Atlas, 28 Dec. 2025
Those flies themselves depend on sulfur-oxidizing microbes as their primary food source.
—Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 7 Nov. 2025
What's more, the oxidizing process would simply start again, and the entire structure would turn green again in a few short years.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Looking ahead, the team plans to add protective coatings to enable the device to survive open-air use without oxidizing.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025
Today, the entire industrialized world is held up by the energy released by oxidizing organic carbon back to CO2.
—Peter Brannen, Big Think, 28 Aug. 2025
New Atlas, 28 Dec. 2025
Those flies themselves depend on sulfur-oxidizing microbes as their primary food source.
—Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 7 Nov. 2025
What's more, the oxidizing process would simply start again, and the entire structure would turn green again in a few short years.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Looking ahead, the team plans to add protective coatings to enable the device to survive open-air use without oxidizing.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025
Today, the entire industrialized world is held up by the energy released by oxidizing organic carbon back to CO2.
—Peter Brannen, Big Think, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oxidizing
Verb
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These prevent the tank itself from rusting and, if the rods are corroded, chances are your tank’s walls are next.—
Caroline Lubinsky,
Martha Stewart,
17 Feb. 2026
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Due to its strength, contact with even a diluted bleach solution can cause pitting (localized, severe corrosion causing small holes) and rusting on blades.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Mushrooms also thrive in decomposing wood mulch.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
26 Feb. 2026
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To prevent the fallow area from turning into a weed patch, cover it with agricultural-grade plastic or a thick layer of slowly decomposing mulch such as wood chips.—
Nadia Hassani,
The Spruce,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Ocean carriers are reacting in kind, passing off the war-risk premiums to their customers.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
2 Mar. 2026
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Marylanders are reacting to the United States and Israel's military strike on Iran.—
Kaicey Baylor,
CBS News,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
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By 2019, Virginia photographer John Plashal caught wind of what was disintegrating on Hankins' out-of-the-way acres.—
Danielle Paquette The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
17 Feb. 2026
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Around the world, states were disintegrating, climate systems were approaching tipping points, economies were stagnating, and inequality was rising.—
Billy Perrigo,
Time,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The blackout, the second such outage to affect western Cuba in three months, was blamed on a crumbling electric grid and a lack of fuel.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
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Failing to correct problems can lead to crumbling home foundations, rotting wood, mold growth, and a proliferation of pests, including termites.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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These products kill roots on contact without corroding the pipes or killing off the tree.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
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During winter, wet road salt can seep into manholes, corroding electrical cables’ insulation, causing sparks and gas that can then combust under pressure.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oxidizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oxidizing. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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