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 Those dark accusations contrasted with the relentlessly bright, happy vibe that infused his work. — Beth J. Harpaz The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026 Blazer Atelier represents the largest investment the brand has made for a merchandising activation, marking a way for customers to infuse their personal style into the Veronica Beard blazer. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026 Yost’s position forced Notre Dame to play a national schedule and infused the program with its independent DNA. — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 Queen of hosting, perfector of the apple pie, and DIY extraordinaire, Martha infuses her own taste and sensibilities into every aspect autumn has to offer. — Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for infuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infuse
Verb
  • This is a book suffused with beauty, but climate emergency is its undercurrent.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The spikes suffuse the air with a hard to describe but palpable dread.
    — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Throughout, Lee’s invocations imbue his subjects with an air of divinity.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The group’s projects imbue Italian cuisine and service with a highly recognizable Venetian aesthetic.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Sports organizations invest hundreds of millions of dollars in recruiting children, Buckland says.
    — Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The upside is that portfolio companies may have more time to invest, improve operations and build lasting value.
    — Nate Heeren, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Infuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infuse. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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