What does "sublimate" mean?
A product obtained by sublimation.
Sublimate
/ˈsʌblɪmeɪt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A product obtained by sublimation.
- Grammar: sublimate is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: aerate, aerify, alluvion, alluvium.
- Useful contrasts: condensation, condense, degrade.
- Usage evidence: Foreigners extol the American "energy" […] Basically it is the energy of violence, of free-floating resentment and anxiety unleashed by chronic cultural dislocations which must be, for the most part, ferociously sublimated. This energy has mainly been sublimated into crude materialism and acquisitiveness.
How to use "sublimate"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "sublimate" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "sublimate" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "sublimate" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "sublimate" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "sublimate" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "aerate" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "sublimate", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A product obtained by sublimation.
- 2 the product of vaporization of a solid wordnet
Verb
- 1 To heat (a substance) in a container so as to convert it into a gas which then condenses in solid form on cooler parts of the container.; To change (a solid substance) into a gas without breaking down or passing through the liquid state by heating it gently. transitive
- 2 vaporize and then condense right back again wordnet
- 3 To heat (a substance) in a container so as to convert it into a gas which then condenses in solid form on cooler parts of the container.; To change (a substance) from a gas into a solid through sublimation. transitive
- 4 change or cause to change directly from a solid into a vapor without first melting wordnet
- 5 To refine (something) until it disappears or loses all meaning. broadly, figuratively, transitive
Show 12 more definitions
- 6 remove impurities from, increase the concentration of, and separate through the process of distillation wordnet
- 7 To modify (the natural expression of a sexual or primitive instinct) in a socially acceptable manner; to divert the energy of (such an instinct) into some acceptable activity. broadly, figuratively, transitive
"Foreigners extol the American "energy" […] Basically it is the energy of violence, of free-floating resentment and anxiety unleashed by chronic cultural dislocations which must be, for the most part, ferociously sublimated. This energy has mainly been sublimated into crude materialism and acquisitiveness."
- 8 make more subtle or refined wordnet
- 9 To obtain (something) through, or as if through, sublimation. archaic, broadly, figuratively, transitive
- 10 direct energy or urges into useful activities wordnet
- 11 To purify or refine (a substance). archaic, broadly, figuratively, transitive
"The precepts of Christianity are […] so apt […] to cleanse and sublimate the more gross and corrupt."
- 12 Synonym of sublime.; To raise (someone) to a high office or status; to dignify, to elevate, to exalt. also, broadly, figuratively, transitive
- 13 Synonym of sublime.; To raise something to a state of excellence; to improve. broadly, figuratively, transitive
- 14 Of a substance: to change from a solid into a gas without passing through the liquid state, with or without being heated. intransitive
- 15 Of a substance: to change from a gas into a solid without passing through the liquid state. intransitive
- 16 To modify the natural expression of a sexual or primitive instinct in a socially acceptable manner; to divert the energy of such an instinct into some acceptable activity. figuratively, intransitive
- 17 Synonym of sublime (“to become higher in quality or status; to improve”). figuratively, intransitive
Adjective
- 1 made pure wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"Foreigners extol the American "energy" […] Basically it is the energy of violence, of free-floating resentment and anxiety unleashed by chronic cultural dislocations which must be, for the most part, ferociously sublimated. This energy has mainly been sublimated into crude materialism and acquisitiveness."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "sublimate"?
Common synonyms include: aerate, aerify, alluvion, alluvium, alter, ash.
How do you use "sublimate" in a sentence?
Foreigners extol the American "energy" […] Basically it is the energy of violence, of free-floating resentment and anxiety unleashed by chronic cultural dislocations which must be, for the most part, ferociously sublimated. This energy has mainly been sublimated into crude materialism and acquisitiveness.
How do you pronounce "sublimate"?
Pronounced /ˈsʌblɪmeɪt/.
Etymology
From Middle English sublymate, from Latin sublīmātus, past participle of sublīmāre (“to raise, elevate”).