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toxic

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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
Glacier melt leads to the diffusion of toxic heavy metals. Michael Robbins, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 However, that statement contradicts the findings of a 2023 Environmental Protection Agency report that said the Commerce City refinery records more malfunctions that release toxic chemicals into the air than other similarly sized plants in the United States. Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
The more stringent standards effectively limit emissions of other toxics, including benzene, lead and arsenic. Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025 The toxics killed fish and wildlife, closed beaches, and endangered environmentally sensitive areas. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for toxic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toxic
Adjective
  • If touched, the toad’s poisonous glands emit toxins that can be rapidly absorbed in your dog’s bloodstream and kill her quickly.
    Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025
  • While every season is different depending on the location, some of the past challenges have included walking across a tightrope over a cliff, rescuing themselves from a sinking car and invading a crate filled with poisonous gases and chemicals.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Wash the affected area with soap and water, then apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and contact the nearest poison center, which can assist in the evaluation and management of the sting.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Additionally, while there were only 10 such serious cases reported to poison centers in 2009, there were 620 reported in 2024 — 100 of which required the use of ventilators, and the majority of which involved children, per the NYT.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This greater understanding is now being explored as potential preventions or therapies for a wide range of diseases, from H5N1 bird flu and HIV to cancer.
    Simon Williams, Time, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Myths, folk tales, and negative media coverage mean people often link these flying mammals to vampires or blame them for disease outbreaks.
    Anna Tunkova, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Naturepedic is our go-to mattress brand for sustainably made, eco-friendly products made without flame retardants, polyurethane foam, and a whole host of other toxins that can be found in the mattress market.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Air quality monitors had not detected levels of toxins above federal standards, the department said.
    James Powel, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Toxic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toxic. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

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