dilute

1 of 2

verb

di·​lute dī-ˈlüt How to pronounce dilute (audio)
də-
diluted; diluting

transitive verb

1
: attenuate
dilute the power of the mayoralty
diluting the quality of the finished product
2
: to make thinner or more liquid by admixture
diluted the bleach with water
diluting juice with water
3
: to diminish the strength, flavor, or brilliance of (something) by or as if by admixture
dilute a color
But spreading the light out also dilutes it …Michael Zeilik and John Gaustad
4
: to decrease the per share value of (common stock) by increasing the total number of shares
diluter noun
or dilutor
dilutive adjective

dilute

2 of 2

adjective

: weak, diluted
a dilute acid solution
diluteness noun

Examples of dilute in a Sentence

Verb You can dilute the medicine with water. The hiring of the new CEO diluted the power of the company's president. diluting the quality of our products Adjective a dilute solution of acid a dilute acid that's safe to handle in the classroom
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Through his testimony and memories, the filmmakers add a poignant note about the grandeur and unique appeal that cinema held decades ago — a status that has since been diluted with the proliferation of other entertainment media. Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025 Addressing supporters Saturday in the heart of his district, Kansas City’s longtime Democratic congressman and former mayor denounced Missouri lawmakers’ plan to dilute the city’s voting power by carving it up into three Republican congressional districts. Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
For example, Wilson’s team is exploring whether dilute acids speed up weathering. Robert F. Service, Science | AAAS, 3 Sep. 2020 The company reported a net loss during the first quarter of $3.9 million, or 11 cents diluted loss per share, compared to a net income of $4.3 million, or 12 cents dilute earnings per share over the same period last year. Paul Takahashi, Houston Chronicle, 5 June 2018 See All Example Sentences for dilute

Word History

Etymology

Verb

borrowed from Latin dīlūtus, past participle of dīluere "to wash away, dissolve, make thinner by mixing with water," from dis- dis- + lavere "to wash" — more at lye

Adjective

borrowed from Latin dīlūtus, past participle of dīluere "to wash away, dissolve, make thinner by mixing with water" — more at dilute entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1575, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dilute was circa 1575

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dilute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dilute. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

dilute

1 of 2 verb
di·​lute dī-ˈlüt How to pronounce dilute (audio)
də-
diluted; diluting
: to make thinner or more liquid by adding in and mixing something
added water to dilute the punch

dilute

2 of 2 adjective
: lacking normal strength especially as a result of being diluted

Medical Definition

dilute

1 of 2 transitive verb
di·​lute dī-ˈlüt, də- How to pronounce dilute (audio)
diluted; diluting
: to make thinner or more liquid by admixture
diluter noun
also dilutor

dilute

2 of 2 adjective
: of relatively low strength or concentration
a dilute solution

Legal Definition

dilute

transitive verb
di·​lute dī-ˈlüt, də- How to pronounce dilute (audio)
diluted; diluting
: to cause dilution of

More from Merriam-Webster on dilute

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