as in poisons
a substance that by chemical action can kill or injure a living thing
read a pamphlet on the toxin responsible for botulism, a food poisoning that can cause paralysis and even death in some cases
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of toxins
The report cited the state’s nearly 3,000 pounds of industrial toxins per square mile — the national average is closer to 900.
—
Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 6 Jan. 2026
Countries like China let their industries pollute freely, dumping chemicals into rivers, pumping toxins into the air and throwing plastics into the ocean.
—Chip Lamarca, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026
In the year since the Eaton Fire, CBS LA has followed along with Pasadena Fire Department Captain Dave Marquez's search for answers about the high level of toxins in his body since the intensive firefight.
—Kara Finnstrom, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
The bill does not include medical or surgical masks worn to protect against the transmission of disease, the bill’s analysis states, or any transparent face covering worn to protect against things like toxins, gas, and smoke.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 3 Jan. 2026
Less mold means fewer potential toxins, which makes for an easier cleaning experience, too.
—Euna Park, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025
From pesticides to paint fumes, the importance of steering clear of hidden toxins during pregnancy is well-documented.
—Liz Regalia, Parents, 27 Dec. 2025
The lymphatic massage works immediately—draining excess fluid, easing tension, and flushing toxins.
—Micaela English, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2025
When panels are smashed in unauthorized scrap yards or tossed into landfills, these toxins seep into groundwater and eventually enter the food chain.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Dec. 2025
Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 6 Jan. 2026
Countries like China let their industries pollute freely, dumping chemicals into rivers, pumping toxins into the air and throwing plastics into the ocean.
—Chip Lamarca, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026
In the year since the Eaton Fire, CBS LA has followed along with Pasadena Fire Department Captain Dave Marquez's search for answers about the high level of toxins in his body since the intensive firefight.
—Kara Finnstrom, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
The bill does not include medical or surgical masks worn to protect against the transmission of disease, the bill’s analysis states, or any transparent face covering worn to protect against things like toxins, gas, and smoke.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 3 Jan. 2026
Less mold means fewer potential toxins, which makes for an easier cleaning experience, too.
—Euna Park, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025
From pesticides to paint fumes, the importance of steering clear of hidden toxins during pregnancy is well-documented.
—Liz Regalia, Parents, 27 Dec. 2025
The lymphatic massage works immediately—draining excess fluid, easing tension, and flushing toxins.
—Micaela English, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2025
When panels are smashed in unauthorized scrap yards or tossed into landfills, these toxins seep into groundwater and eventually enter the food chain.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toxins
Noun
-
Perhaps because tomato juice is nutritious, packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and the spiciness can induce a sweat, which, as people like to believe, rids the body of poisons.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
Denver Post,
28 Oct. 2025
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Medical examiners would also conduct a chemical analysis during an autopsy to test for poisons and medical conditions.—
Dalia Faheid,
CNN Money,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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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
Noun
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According to the American Mosquito Control Association, mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but also a public health concern, capable of carrying diseases like West Nile virus.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The process of pruning involves removing dead, diseased, damaged, or crossing branches that can attract pests and be an entryway for diseases.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Funding a promising breakthrough In laboratory trials with rodents, the new nanobody antivenom prevented the deaths of mice exposed to venoms from 17 of the 18 snake species.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
29 Oct. 2025
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Neely Lab is interested in applying the technology to gene editing, having previously used CRISPR to understand the mechanisms behind how venoms cause cell death and pain, and how proteins bind to cells, including the crucial spike protein in SARS-CoV-2.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
27 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Toxins.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toxins. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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