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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
Over the four episodes, viewers get a firsthand look at what can happen when a teenager is indoctrinated with toxic messages about masculinity. Samantha Mann, Parents, 8 Apr. 2025 However, many selective herbicides are toxic birds, bees, and other insects or animals that consume or contact them. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
According to Apolo, theobromine, an alkaloid in the cacao beans used to make chocolate, makes chocolate toxic to canines. Kelli Bender, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024 Many are similar to existing antibiotics or toxic to humans. Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for toxic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toxic
Adjective
  • Though gorgeous with color, azaleas are poisonous to animals and humans when ingested.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Every part of the pong pong tree is poisonous, but the leaves and barks aren’t as potent as the seeds.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • All about the poison There was a lot that needed to be tied up in that final episode of the HBO series about tourists at various exotic resorts.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • In addition, these same poisons can damage a cell’s DNA which can allow that cell to grow out of control and cause cancer.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Harmattan facilitates the spread of diseases, such as influenza.
    Christophe Lavaysse, JSTOR Daily, 17 Apr. 2025
  • However, in the U.S., the CDC has concluded there is no evidence that pesticides are effective in preventing these diseases and does not recommend this practice.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the cause of Bell’s Palsy is unknown but it can be triggered by high blood pressure, an infection, diabetes or toxins in one’s system.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Vultures also have extremely strong stomach acid, don’t get food poisoning and are able to consume and neutralize anthrax, botulism and other bacteria and toxins in carcasses that would kill other animals, removing deadly threats from the environment.
    Gerald Imray, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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