dilute

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

VERB

make thinner; weaken

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adulterate alter decrease diminish lessen mitigate modify reduce temper water down

STRONG

attenuate cook cut deliquesce diffuse doctor irrigate lace liquefy mix moderate needle plant qualify shave spike water

WEAK

doctor up phony up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aggravate develop strengthen

WEAK

concentrate thicken

ADJECTIVE

thinned, diluted

Synonyms

STRONG

adulterated cut diluted impaired impoverished light reduced weakened

WEAK

washy watered down waterish watery weak wishy-washy

Antonyms

STRONG

strong

WEAK

concentrated enriched strengthened thickened

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.

But it can dilute benefits you would get from real-life social interactions.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

But the authors’ self-interest can dilute the perception of objectivity.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Teachers may adapt, dilute or quietly resist the messaging.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

His goal may have been to dilute the impact of a fallout study released by the National Academy of Sciences.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik