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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Recent Examples of toxin
Now the Family Is Suing A Note About Reheating Rice
Reheating rice will not kill the toxins caused by Bacillus cereus, according to the University of Washington School of Medicine.
—
Toria Sheffield, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025
The toxin produced by C. botulinum bacteria can also cause a range of symptoms including muscle weakness, blurry vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty speaking, paralysis and trouble breathing, which can lead to death.
—Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
The reason whooping cough can bring on such a gnarly, well, cough in the first place is because of how B. pertussis wreaks havoc: These bugs latch on to the cilia (a.k.a. tiny hairlike protrusions) on cells in your respiratory tract and ooze toxins, triggering inflammation and swelling.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 13 Feb. 2025
During the confirmation hearings, many senators expressed interest in efforts to address toxins and chronic health issues.
—Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for toxin
Toria Sheffield, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025
The toxin produced by C. botulinum bacteria can also cause a range of symptoms including muscle weakness, blurry vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty speaking, paralysis and trouble breathing, which can lead to death.
—Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
The reason whooping cough can bring on such a gnarly, well, cough in the first place is because of how B. pertussis wreaks havoc: These bugs latch on to the cilia (a.k.a. tiny hairlike protrusions) on cells in your respiratory tract and ooze toxins, triggering inflammation and swelling.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 13 Feb. 2025
During the confirmation hearings, many senators expressed interest in efforts to address toxins and chronic health issues.
—Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for toxin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toxin
Noun
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Some were stoppers, the design concealing small vials of a particularly deadly poison.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
20 Feb. 2025
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Daughter-in-Law of Baker Whose Christmas Cake Killed 3 Arrested on Murder Charges: Reports Police chief Cléber dos Santos Lima told reporters that Dos Anjos researched and purchased the deadly poison four separate times, per the BBC.—
Christine Pelisek,
People.com,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
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What these arguments fail to understand is that DEI protections were put in place for certain groups because of historically discriminatory hiring practices and to course-correct toxic, racist, ableist, homophobic, transphobic, and sexist workplaces.—
Kathleen Newman-Bremang,
refinery29.com,
30 Jan. 2025
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This strategy has amplified his visibility but has also drawn criticism for aligning with internet personalities accused of toxic and, for some, abusive behaviors.—
Kia Turner,
refinery29.com,
28 Nov. 2024
Noun
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And if that wasn’t bad enough, in extremely rare circumstances, neurologic fallout from measles is delayed, showing up 7 to 10 years post-infection as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a degenerative disease that is ultimately fatal, Dr. Lovins says.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
28 Feb. 2025
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Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease that can cause serious health complications, including death, especially in children under 5.—
Jaden Amos,
Axios,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Youngsters release less venom but their poison can be more potent, according to Taylor.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Sacramento Bee,
11 Feb. 2025
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Some fans will likely direct venom toward Beal, accusing him of putting his own wishes ahead of the team’s.—
Doug Haller,
The Athletic,
7 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Toxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toxin. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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