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diffuse

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective diffuse differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of diffuse are prolix, verbose, and wordy. While all these words mean "using more words than necessary to express thought," diffuse stresses lack of compactness and pointedness of style.

diffuse memoirs that are so many shaggy-dog stories

When would prolix be a good substitute for diffuse?

The meanings of prolix and diffuse largely overlap; however, prolix suggests unreasonable and tedious dwelling on details.

habitually transformed brief anecdotes into prolix sagas

When is verbose a more appropriate choice than diffuse?

While the synonyms verbose and diffuse are close in meaning, verbose suggests a resulting dullness, obscurity, or lack of incisiveness or precision.

the verbose position papers

Where would wordy be a reasonable alternative to diffuse?

Although the words wordy and diffuse have much in common, wordy may also imply loquaciousness or garrulity.

a wordy speech

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of diffuse
Adjective
Dragonfly 44 and its ilk are known as ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs). Lyndie Chiou, Quanta Magazine, 7 Nov. 2022 First, there are two ultra-diffuse galaxies that appear to be satellite members of a massive group dominated by NGC 1052: DF2 and DF4. Ethan Siegel, Forbes, 22 June 2021
Verb
Coleman said diffusing the situation includes creating a space and time for constructive conversations and setting up expectations—what is the point of the conversation? Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024 For that extra touch of discerning luxury, the hotel has partnered with local Mayfair artisans to offer items such as silk dressing gowns by New & Lingwood in the signature suites and a bespoke scent created by Ormonde Jayne that is diffused throughout the reception area. Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for diffuse 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diffuse
Adjective
  • His statement came a day after the release of the Netflix series, which takes viewers back to the morning after Christmas 28 years ago, when JonBenét’s mother called 911 to report finding a rambling ransom note and her daughter missing.
    Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 3 Dec. 2024
  • There is more than 178 feet of beach and ocean frontage, which can be accessed via a rambling wooden staircase.
    Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The vigil was so crowded police came to disperse the crowd after several hours, the mother said.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 22 Dec. 2024
  • The recall affects select chip bags dispersed in retail stores and e-commerce distributors beginning last month in Oregon and Washington, per Frito-Lay.
    Tara Suter, The Hill, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • But now many in the retail industry say that rumors of the mall’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Even beyond the idea that an actual curse has befallen Ruby — or has befallen everyone with the bad luck (or judgment?) to have hooked up with her — Laid operates in an exaggerated version of reality where genuine human emotion has to jostle for space with cartoon plot logic.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • But Colet dispels the characterization of BINI’s members as trailblazers.
    Gabriel Saulog, Billboard, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Happy to report that any concerns were quickly dispelled.
    Arika Herron, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Introverts may become talkative, or extroverts quiet and withdrawn.
    Dr. Talia Varley, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Energetic and talkative, Patel speaks of his peers on Devon with the comfort and humor of a longtime community member.
    Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Forecasts suggested the fog would dissipate, but only to an extent, by the afternoon.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Why Light Distance Matters Like sound, light intensity dissipates or gets weaker farther from the source.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Someone who isn't communicative and can't face difficult discussions might resort to passive aggressiveness instead of self-reflection.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
  • And being more communicative even in my family, being more open, vulnerable and being a little better with my words of affirmation. Martin: Did your parents embrace that part of American culture?
    Rachel Martin, NPR, 24 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Acute pancreatitis causes severe upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 22 Dec. 2024
  • That complacency radiates in every aspect of the creative process of developing our stories.
    Kui Mwai, Essence, 20 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near diffuse

Cite this Entry

“Diffuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diffuse. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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