Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb subtilize

3 senses of subtilize

Sense 1
subtilize -- (mark fine distinctions and subtleties, as among words)
       => discriminate, know apart -- (recognize or perceive the difference)

Sense 2
rarefy, sublimate, subtilize -- (make more subtle or refined)
       => change, alter, modify -- (cause to change; make different; cause a transformation; "The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the city"; "The discussion has changed my thinking about the issue")

Sense 3
subtilize, subtilise -- (make (senses) more keen)
       => sharpen, heighten -- (make (one's senses) more acute; "This drug will sharpen your vision")