Synonym Chooser

How does the verb infuse differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of infuse are imbue, ingrain, inoculate, leaven, and suffuse. While all these words mean "to introduce one thing into another so as to affect it throughout," infuse implies a pouring in of something that gives new life or significance.

new members infused enthusiasm into the club

When could imbue be used to replace infuse?

While the synonyms imbue and infuse are close in meaning, imbue implies the introduction of a quality that fills and permeates the whole being.

imbue students with intellectual curiosity

In what contexts can ingrain take the place of infuse?

Although the words ingrain and infuse have much in common, ingrain, used only in the passive or past participle, suggests the deep implanting of a quality or trait.

clung to ingrained habits

When is inoculate a more appropriate choice than infuse?

The meanings of inoculate and infuse largely overlap; however, inoculate implies an imbuing or implanting with a germinal idea and often suggests stealth or subtlety.

an electorate inoculated with dangerous ideas

When can leaven be used instead of infuse?

The synonyms leaven and infuse are sometimes interchangeable, but leaven implies introducing something that enlivens, tempers, or markedly alters the total quality.

a serious play leavened with comic moments

When would suffuse be a good substitute for infuse?

While in some cases nearly identical to infuse, suffuse implies a spreading through of something that gives an unusual color or quality.

a room suffused with light

Example 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 infuse The episodes will include practical lessons for kids infused with the joy and playfulness of both shows, such as learning the ABCs, Rock, Paper, Scissors, and the Freeze Dance. Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 20 Mar. 2025 The Avs are one of the hottest teams in the league right now, riding an 8-0-1 stretch into a three-game Eastern Canada road swing that coincides with Valeri Nichushkin returning to the lineup and MacFarland’s last mad dash of moves to infuse five more new guys before the trade deadline. Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2025 Finally, Ultra Glossy Lips features a sheer hi-shine gloss infused with hyaluronic acid in a pearlized finish for hydrated, glossy lips. Julia Teti, WWD, 17 Mar. 2025 Comme des Garçons, Undercover and Rick Owens infused their collections with deep emotion, reminding us of the power of originality and sensitivity. Rhonda Richford, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for infuse

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Cite this Entry

“Infuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infuse. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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