toxic 1 of 2

Definition of toxicnext

toxic

2 of 2

noun

as in poison
a substance that by chemical action can kill or injure a living thing tested for toxics in the water supply

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 toxic
Adjective
The clothing brand was the subject of a 2024 HBO documentary, where former employees described a toxic work environment and a pressure to maintain a certain body type. Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026 But there is a growing movement among wellness influencers who tout sun exposure as healthy and decry sunscreen as toxic. Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026
Noun
Israeli policy has made the very subject toxic, turning normalization into a domestic and strategic risk for Arab leaders and their governments. Galip Dalay, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2025 Environmental advocates say the new regulation of air toxics, which was required under a 2022 bill called Public Protections From Toxic Air Contaminants, will make the state’s air cleaner and its people healthier. Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for toxic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toxic
Adjective
  • Hydrangeas are poisonous to dogs and cats.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2026
  • Restoring the balance of the humors through profusely bleeding the patient or inducing vomiting or diarrhea with the poisonous plant hellebore.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There is brief discussion of poison, and at one point, a fearsome butcher holds a knife.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • The Austrian Press Agency reported that an expert report on the toxicity of the poison was pending.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • Hantavirus disease is considered rare, with 890 cases reported in the United States between 1993 and 2023.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 7 May 2026
  • In 2024, for example, more than 700 newborns died from spontaneous bleeding in their brains, which could have been complicated by liver disease or prematurity.
    Lee Hutchinson, ArsTechnica, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • These living materials could also serve as canaries in the coal mine for water safety, glowing brighter or dimming in the presence of specific toxins.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026
  • Those who develop hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome may need hospitalization and dialysis to help their body remove toxins if their kidneys become affected or damaged.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 7 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Toxic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toxic. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on toxic

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