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
Major organs start to shut down – the barriers that separate the gut from the rest of the intestines can become more porous, leaking deadly toxins into the bloodstream and the heart fails.
—
Taylor Ward,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
Normally that barrier lets nutrients through while blocking bacteria and toxins.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Sacbee.com,
24 June 2026
That painful toxin is only contained in their specialized spines, though, so as long as those are clipped off, there is no risk to consuming them.
—
Rachel Nuwer,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 June 2026
The cane toad, also known as the bufo toad or the marine toad, is known for the large, poisonous glands behind its eyes that secrete toxins when it’s touched.
—
Amaia Gavica,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for toxin
Taylor Ward,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
Normally that barrier lets nutrients through while blocking bacteria and toxins.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Sacbee.com,
24 June 2026
That painful toxin is only contained in their specialized spines, though, so as long as those are clipped off, there is no risk to consuming them.
—
Rachel Nuwer,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 June 2026
The cane toad, also known as the bufo toad or the marine toad, is known for the large, poisonous glands behind its eyes that secrete toxins when it’s touched.
—
Amaia Gavica,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for toxin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toxin
Noun
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That second episode was The Lion and the Rose, Joffrey and Margaery’s poison-interrupted wedding.
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Rather than relying solely on poison, the researchers recommend combining multiple control methods, including sealing entry points, improving sanitation, removing food sources and using traps.
Noun
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Portside residents face higher cancer risk from air toxics than 93% of the nation.
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Asparagus releases a chemical toxic to root knot nematodes, a microscopic round worm that creates multiple disease and growth problems in tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes and peppers.
Noun
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The shipment includes emergency health kits for urgent medical care, including supplies for safe births, newborn care, disease prevention and treatment, according to the United Nations.
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The rabies vaccine, if administered immediately after exposure, is nearly 100% successful at preventing the disease, according to the World Health Organization.
Noun
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Public Luxury is less a dissertation on those tenets than an emotional response to the struggle to achieve it—mouths dripping with venom, eyes swollen with tears, hearts heavy with love.
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One common misconception is that lionfish are inedible because of their venom.
Cite this Entry
“Toxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toxin. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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