subtilize

verb

sub·til·ize ˈsə-tᵊl-ˌīz

ˈsəb-tə-ˌlīz

subtilized; subtilizing

intransitive verb

: to act or think subtly

transitive verb

: to make subtile

subtilization

ˌsə-tᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən

ˌsəb-tə-lə-

noun

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler

The first known use of subtilize was in 1592

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Browse Nearby Words

subtility

subtilize

subtilizer

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Subtilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtilize. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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