Meaning

(transitive) To make thinner by adding solvent to a solution, especially by adding water..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To make thinner by adding solvent to a solution, especially by adding water.
2. (transitive) To weaken, especially by adding a foreign substance.
3. (transitive, stock market) To cause the value of individual shares or the stake of a shareholder to decrease by increasing the total number of shares.
4. (intransitive) To become attenuated, thin, or weak.
5. Having a low concentration.
6. Weak; reduced in strength by dilution; diluted.
7. Of an animal: having a lighter-coloured coat than is usual.
8. An animal having a lighter-coloured coat than is usual.

Example Sentences

Mix their watery store / With the chyle's current, and dilute it more.

For if these Colours be diluted and weakened by the Mixture of any adventitious light, the distance between the places of the Paper will not be so great.

“Stay a little.” “Not another second: language and discussion dilute thought; I will say no more.”

It's healthy to have people in the military who would perhaps rather be somewhere else; they can dilute the more gung-ho military types.

It dilutes easily.

Clean the panel with a dilute, neutral cleaner.

a dilute calico

a cat with a dilute tortoiseshell coat

Word Forms

• dilutes
• diluting
• diluted
• more dilute
• most dilute

Synonyms for dilute

Antonyms for dilute

Related Words

When Should You Use Dilute?

Use dilute when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions