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 There, a new school of artists, thinkers and card readers began to see tarot as infused with a deep, occult significance. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2025 Artisan-crafted in Northern Italy, this handmade pewter ice bucket is designed for infusing a bit of glitz into any intimate dinner party or backyard soiree. Katherine Burns Olson, Architectural Digest, 25 Aug. 2025 New veteran additions have infused more professional at-bats in the lineup. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2025 Start with an aperitif like a Ligurian Negroni infused with Côte d’Azur Cap Gin, best sipped alongside cheesy focaccia with pesto, before sampling the signature pesto plate with trofie pasta — which is even more indulgent when topped with Sicilian gamberi (shrimp) tartare. Lane Nieset, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for infuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infuse
Verb
  • An international cult favorite, Lee is revered for the philosophical nerve that suffuses his rigorously inventive melodramas, which variously pick apart the complexities of Korean society.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Advertisement The answering note to its prevailing ironic treatment of Sir Walter is of course the melancholy and hint of regret that suffuse much of the novel’s tone.
    Brandon Taylor, Time, 17 July 2025
Verb
  • Smith credits Mackie with imbuing John with vulnerability.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Schiaparelli’s fall 2025 ready-to-wear collection, curated by creative director Daniel Roseberry, took cues from Western style inspiration and imbued the aesthetic with signature elements of the Italian luxury fashion house.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Infuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infuse. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on infuse

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