dilute

American  

[dih-loot, dahy-, dahy-loot] / dɪˈlut, daɪ-, ˈdaɪ lut /

verb (used with object)

diluted, diluting

1. to make (a liquid) thinner or weaker by the addition of water or the like.

2. to make fainter, as a color.

3. to reduce the strength, force, or efficiency of by admixture.

   Synonyms:

   diminish, mitigate, temper, weaken

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verb (used without object)

diluted, diluting

1. to become diluted.

adjective

1. reduced in strength, as a chemical by admixture; weak.

   a dilute solution.

dilute British  

/ daɪˈluːt /

verb

1. to make or become less concentrated, esp by adding water or a thinner

2. to make or become weaker in force, effect, etc

   he diluted his story

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adjective

1. chem

   1. (of a solution, suspension, mixture, etc) having a low concentration or a concentration that has been reduced by admixture

   2. (of a substance) present in solution, esp a weak solution in water

      dilute acetic acid

Other Word Forms

• antidilutive adjective
• dilutee noun
• diluter noun
• dilutive adjective
• dilutor noun
• overdilute verb
• undilute adjective
• undiluted adjective
• undiluting adjective

Etymology

Origin of dilute

1545–55; < Latin dīlūtus washed away, dissolved (past participle of dīluere ), equivalent to dī- di- ² + -lūtus, combining form of lautus ( lav ( ere ) to wash + -tus past participle suffix)

Example Sentences

Scientists may need to be deployed with the troops to dilute the uranium to render it safe.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

He said the Nazi regime was "the most barbaric ever, and I'd never make light of nor dilute its seriousness".

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Rather than retire the senior preferred shares, Trump could decide to convert them to common shares, which would severely dilute the value of the existing common stock.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

First, their 2025 EP “Papota” humorized their rapid ascent to stardom and poked fun at how artists must dilute their image to fit the mainstream.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

When a painter begins to paint, dipping the brush occasionally to dilute the pigment, the water might initially turn blue, or yellow.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Related Words

• adulterate
• alter
• decrease
• diminish
• lessen
• mitigate
• modify
• reduce
• temper
• water down