tenderize
verb
ten·der·ize
ˈten-də-ˌrīz 
tenderized; tenderizing
: to make (meat or meat products) tender by applying a process or substance that breaks down connective tissue
Examples of tenderize in a Sentence
The marinade helps to tenderize the meat.
Recent Examples on the Web
In the Russian version featured here — a perennial favorite with my family — brisket is marinated in lemon juice, which tenderizes it and provides the sour backdrop for the sweet and tangy chili sauce that comes later.
—
Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025
Curing breaks down some of the fish’s proteins, tenderizing the fillets in the process.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025
Simmering pole beans in tomatoes with a little lemon juice tenderizes the vegetables and adds richness—something that actually deepens over time, so this is a great dish to make ahead and let sit in the refrigerator for a few days before serving.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025
Aging venison in a cool (approximately 32 to 40 degrees), dry place for several days can help break down muscle fibers and tenderize the meat.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tenderize
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.
Judy Bart Kancigor, Oc Register, 11 Sep. 2025
Curing breaks down some of the fish’s proteins, tenderizing the fillets in the process.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025
Simmering pole beans in tomatoes with a little lemon juice tenderizes the vegetables and adds richness—something that actually deepens over time, so this is a great dish to make ahead and let sit in the refrigerator for a few days before serving.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025
Aging venison in a cool (approximately 32 to 40 degrees), dry place for several days can help break down muscle fibers and tenderize the meat.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tenderize
Cite this Entry
“Tenderize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenderize. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tenderize
verb
ten·der·ize
ˈten-də-ˌrīz
tenderized; tenderizing
: to make (meat or meat products) tender by using a process or substance that breaks down connective tissue
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share