neutralize
verb
neu·tral·ize
ˈnü-trə-ˌlīz 
ˈnyü-
neutralized; neutralizing
1
: to make chemically neutral
2
3
: to make electrically inert by combining equal positive and negative quantities
4
: to invest (a territory, a nation, etc.) with conventional or obligatory neutrality conferring inviolability during a war
5
: to make neutral by blending with the complementary color
6
: to give (a pair of phonemes) a nondistinctive form or pronunciation
\t\ and \d\ are neutralized when pronounced as flaps
: to undergo neutralization
neutralizer
noun
Examples of neutralize in a Sentence
The soldiers tried to neutralize the attack by dividing the invading army.
This medicine neutralizes stomach acids.
The lands between the warring countries were neutralized.
Recent Examples on the Web
His studio team appreciates how subtle soft pink/white crystal lighting neutralizes the green of the glass.
—
Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Wyoming linebackers Evan Eller and Brayden Johnson will need to be neutralized for CU to find some rhythm on the ground this week.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
Sure enough, as Maye began his shuffle up into the pocket, right tackle Morgan Moses shoved Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips further behind his quarterback to help neutralize that pressure.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 19 Sep. 2025
Charcoal Filters Charcoal filters remove bad smells and pollutants from the air, but they can get clogged with dust and lose their odor-neutralizing power.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for neutralize
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.
Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Wyoming linebackers Evan Eller and Brayden Johnson will need to be neutralized for CU to find some rhythm on the ground this week.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
Sure enough, as Maye began his shuffle up into the pocket, right tackle Morgan Moses shoved Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips further behind his quarterback to help neutralize that pressure.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 19 Sep. 2025
Charcoal Filters Charcoal filters remove bad smells and pollutants from the air, but they can get clogged with dust and lose their odor-neutralizing power.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for neutralize
Cite this Entry
“Neutralize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutralize. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
neutralize
verb
neu·tral·ize
ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌlīz
neutralized; neutralizing
1
: to make chemically neutral
neutralize an acid with a base
2
: to make ineffective : nullify
neutralize an opponent's move
3
: to make electrically neutral by combining equal positive and negative quantities
4
: to make politically neutral
neutralize a country
neutralization
noun
ˌn(y)ü-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən
neutralizer
noun
ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌlī-zər
Medical Definition
neutralize
verb
neu·tral·ize
variants
also British neutralise
neutralized also British neutralised; neutralizing also British neutralising
1
: to make chemically neutral
2
a
: to counteract the activity or effect of : make ineffective
b
: to counteract the refractive power of (a lens) by combining it with one or more other lenses
3
: to make electrically inert by combining equal positive and negative quantities
: to undergo neutralization
neutralizer
noun
also British neutraliser
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share