toxin

noun

ˈtäk-sən How to pronounce toxin (audio)
Definition of toxinnext
as in poison
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

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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 toxin The toxins can travel to other parts of your body, like major organs, wreaking havoc in the progress. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Routine water sampling at the west boat ramp cove at John Martin Reservoir State Park recently detected algae toxin levels above the threshold for recreational water contact. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 8 Aug. 2026 That particular strain is known to produce Shiga toxin, which can lead to severe stomach illness and a life-threatening kidney condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2026 The venom contains toxins that accelerate clotting, disturb the nervous system, and can cause sudden cardiovascular collapse. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for toxin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toxin
  1. poison
  2. toxic
  3. disease
  4. venom
Noun
  • Rather than being a delightful add-on, rechargeability in a poison-snooper could save lives in non-electrified remote locations, or in disaster zones where electricity is temporarily unavailable.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Wildlife officials had found that many of these poisons worked their way through the food chain, sickening and killing owls, raptors, coyotes and mountain lions.
    — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of poison
Noun
  • In late May, about 50,000 people in Orange County were evacuated because, at a Garden Grove site operated by GKN Aerospace, tanks holding a volatile hazardous chemical called methyl methacrylate were at risk of exploding or leaking toxics.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
  • Munoz is an independent toxicologist working in collaboration with MAHA against pesticides and toxics.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
Definition of toxic
Noun
  • Those enrolled have experienced CLBP due to degenerative disc disease (DDD) for less than five years.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Prices of the precious commodity have swung dramatically from one season to the next, particularly as issues such as climate change, water scarcity and pest and disease pressures persist.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of disease
Noun
  • Ultimately, the snakes posing the greatest danger are often not those with the strongest venom, but those most likely to encounter people far from adequate healthcare.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The venom is mildly toxic to mammals such as mice, and it is reported to only cause inflammation and skin discoloration in humans.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of venom

Browse Nearby Words

toxics
toxin
toxins
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Cite this Entry

“Toxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toxin. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on toxin

Nglish: Translation of toxin for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about toxin

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