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Definition of tenderize

tenderize

/ˈtɛn.də.ɹaɪz/
(UK: tenderise)
ten · der · ize
Adverb:tenderly
•
Adjective:tender
•
Past Simple:tenderized
•
Past Participle:tenderized
•
Present Participle:tenderizing
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tenderize Lexical Profile

tenderize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make meat softer and easier to chew by beating it, marinating it, or cooking it slowly.

Example

"The chef used a wooden mallet to tenderize the steak before placing it on the grill."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for tenderize

• Nearby Words

tenderhearted
tenderheartedness
tenderization
tenderize
tenderizer
tenderloin
tenderly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 18th century from the adjective 'tender'—which comes via Old French from the Latin 'tener' meaning 'soft' or 'delicate'—combined with the verb-forming suffix '-ize'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tenderize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tenderize
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