adulterate

[uh-duhl-tuh-reyt, uh-duhl-ter-it, -tuh-reyt] / əˈdʌl təˌreɪt, əˈdʌl tər ɪt, -təˌreɪt /

VERB

alter or debase, often for profit

Synonyms

STRONGEST

contaminate

STRONG

alloy amalgamate attenuate blend cheapen commingle cook corrupt cut defile degrade denature depreciate deteriorate devalue dilute dissolve doctor falsify impair infiltrate intermix irrigate lace mingle mix plant pollute shave spike taint thin transfuse vitiate weaken

WEAK

doctor up make impure phony up water down

Antonyms

STRONG

aid approve assist clean cleanse concentrate divide help honor improve increase purify raise separate strengthen thicken unmix upgrade

WEAK

clarify distill filter free refine

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.

It is one thing to alter the competition, another to adulterate or corrupt it - La Liga accepts the first suggestion, but not the second.

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2025

Now, he can rest easy: There's no economic incentive to adulterate his product.

From Salon • Aug. 2, 2023

Little five-spice seasoning or herbs adulterate this meat.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 14, 2021

Shady dealers along the supply chain frequently adulterate olive oil with low-grade vegetable oils and add artificial coloring.

From New York Times • Dec. 7, 2011

They are much used to adulterate those of Oporto, or, after undergoing the blending operation termed compage, are passed off as Bordeaux wines in France.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 "Cat" to "Celt" by Various

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