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

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 infuse Originally built in 1899, the Inn has welcomed guests ever since, and the Relais & Chateaux property features 33 beautiful guest rooms that are infused with the personal touch of a beachside home. Ariel Okin, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025 The first was one that Mr. Biden had signed on his first day in office instructing federal agencies to infuse equity into virtually all policymaking during his tenure. Erica L. Green, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025 While the viticulture is more challenging, soil types and day-night temperature variations infuse the wines with fragrances and freshness. Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 While some carbonated water is natural, created as volcanic gases infuse the water in natural springs with bubbles and minerals, most sparkling water is made by forcing carbon dioxide, or CO2, into water under intense pressure. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for infuse 

Thesaurus Entries Near infuse

Cite this Entry

“Infuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infuse. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

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