adulterate
verb (used with object)
to debase or make impure by adding inferior materials or elements; use cheaper, inferior, or less desirable goods in the production of (any professedly genuine article).
adulterated
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past participleof adulterate.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof adulterate.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
adulterateverb (used with object)to debase or make impure by adding inferior materials or elements; use cheaper, inferior, or less desirable goods in the production of (any professedly genuine article).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Promoting slum clearance and clean water while preventing adulterated food addressed popular grievances while offering competent, uncontroversial government.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026
Zhu’s partner, Wang, is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and distribution of adulterated and misbranded medical devices in connection with the case.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 7, 2026
"The big problem we face is adulterated products -- some people add sugar," she said.
From Barron's ● Feb. 10, 2026
And more recently in April, food and drugs control authorities in Gujarat seized more than 60,000kg of adulterated spices - chilli powder, turmeric and coriander power and pickle masala.
From BBC ● May 14, 2024
“It comes down to the quality of the vanilla. I don’t like my crème brûlée adulterated, because then you can’t taste through to the quality of the ingredients.”
From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell
