Definition of infusenext

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 Conner’s deep ties to American counterculture—from the 1950s Beat poets to the punk scenes of the 1970s and 80s—infused his work with a biting wit and revolutionary spirit. Robert Lang, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026 These values infuse the Warriors organization not only during championship years. John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026 Pluto is in your sign, infusing your spirit with intense, heady power. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Mar. 2026 Many are infused with hydrating and nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and castor oil to help strengthen lashes over time. Lily Wohlner, Allure, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for infuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infuse
Verb
  • Lawrence’s vision of an arc of American history suffused with violence and injustice is obviously not one to which the current US administration would be at all sympathetic.
    Michael Lobel, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Well, that and quantum teleportation, which is the reason that quantum entanglement suffuses this entire field to this day.
    Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Some brands are imbuing the ballet flat with sporty elements to boost appeal for the menswear customer.
    Jack Stanley, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Baccarat, expert purveyors of all things crystal since 1764, have imbued all its glass-making know-how with a soft pastel hue.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The city is investing $400,000 of American Rescue Plan Act grant funding into the corridor.
    Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Why invest trillions in hospitals, pharmaceuticals, or medical research if the outcome—people living longer, healthier lives—registers as meaningless?
    Andrew Behar, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Infuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infuse. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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