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Wordabulary

adulterate

Pronunciation
Verb C1 Advanced

Quick answer

To make something impure or of lower quality by adding another substance to it.

"The company was fined for adulterating its olive oil with cheaper vegetable oil."

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

contaminate dilute

Antonyms

Usage notes

Not related in meaning to "adultery," despite the similar spelling.

Test yourself

In your own words, what does "adulterate" mean?

To make something impure or of lower quality by adding another substance to it.

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