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 Bachmann said this infuses the flavor into the salad. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026 Rock-shrimp linguine, for example, might show up at all sorts of restaurants in the city, but Doris infuses Markette’s version with Scotch bonnets, an intensely hot staple of Caribbean cuisine. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2026 At Psito, chunks of potatoes are simmered in a lemon and oregano poaching liquid until the potatoes are tender and completely infused with these traditional flavors. C.w. Cameron, AJC.com, 22 Mar. 2026 The cooling hydrogel patches are infused with peptides and collagen to soften the look of fine lines while giving tired undereyes a quick hit of hydration. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for infuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infuse
Verb
  • That day in the plastic factory was suffused with a loss that hadn’t happened yet.
    Eric Boodman, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Many of the people who live in that dark world are suffused with a kind of energy—both positive and negative—that people who walk in broad daylight can’t begin to imagine.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But like with all of his sets, Holmes imbues wisdom in even the most juvenile of jokes.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
  • These are not just clothes, but companions—objects imbued with memory, patience, and a touch of serendipity.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • At a recent news conference, Jeffrey Flaks, Hartford HealthCare’s chief executive, said the health system is investing heavily in its flagship Hartford Hospital campus, just south of downtown.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Candy giant Mars Snacking is investing $100 million to expand its Chicago headquarters, adding two new offices and more than 600 jobs, the company announced Wednesday.
    Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Infuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infuse. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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