Adulterate
mediumNegative toneuh-DUL-tuh-rayt
verb
Definition
To make something poorer in quality by adding another substance
Memory hook
A-DULL-terate: Adding cheap stuff makes the product DULL and impure.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The company was fined for adulterating their products.”
“Cheap imitations often adulterate the original design.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Cheap imitations often ______ the original design.”
Show answer
adulterate
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Adulterate is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "contaminate" or "corrupt" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "purify".
Related GRE Words
vitiate
To spoil or impair the quality or efficiency of; to corrupt
stigma
a mark of disgrace or shame
tarnish
to spoil or damage (a reputation); to dull a surface's luster
efficacy
the power to produce a desired effect or result; effectiveness
homogeneous
of the same kind; uniform throughout
inconsequential
of little importance; trivial
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