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diffuse

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective diffuse differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of diffuse are prolix, verbose, and wordy. While all these words mean "using more words than necessary to express thought," diffuse stresses lack of compactness and pointedness of style.

diffuse memoirs that are so many shaggy-dog stories

When would prolix be a good substitute for diffuse?

The meanings of prolix and diffuse largely overlap; however, prolix suggests unreasonable and tedious dwelling on details.

habitually transformed brief anecdotes into prolix sagas

When is verbose a more appropriate choice than diffuse?

While the synonyms verbose and diffuse are close in meaning, verbose suggests a resulting dullness, obscurity, or lack of incisiveness or precision.

the verbose position papers

Where would wordy be a reasonable alternative to diffuse?

Although the words wordy and diffuse have much in common, wordy may also imply loquaciousness or garrulity.

a wordy speech

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 diffuse
Adjective
Both sides had seemingly spent much of the previous 48 hours publicly diffusing the situation. Dennis Lin, New York Times, 20 June 2025 But as of close to 8 p.m., the immediate conflict appeared to be diffused, after police declared an unlawful assembly and the group eventually dispersed. Sean Emery, Oc Register, 10 June 2025
Verb
The red regions toward the top of this image are areas where dust clouds are relatively diffuse. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2022 Dragonfly 44 and its ilk are known as ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs). Lyndie Chiou, Quanta Magazine, 7 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for diffuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diffuse
Adjective
  • Refine your key points to be clear and concise—no rambling monologues.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • In the early morning hours of Dec. 26, 1996, Patsy Ramsey called 911 to report her 6-year-old daughter JonBenét missing, and found a rambling ransom note left inside their Boulder, Colorado, home.
    Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • However, those seeking a cultural experience should go in September or October, when the masses disperse, and the calmer charms of Amalfi emerge.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 9 July 2025
  • When dry, the seed heads shatter to disperse the seed.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Skinny brows, an exaggerated cat-eye, and a rich red lip added to the maximalist Parisian glamour.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 9 July 2025
  • Onana, for example, tends to make more exaggerated adjustments before shots — a style that has its benefits but can occasionally lead to mistimed reactions or suboptimal set positions.
    Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • While the village already has agreements with several utilities, such as ComEd and Comcast, the new ordinance dispels any doubt that a franchise agreement must be filed with the village, attorney Michael Pasquinelli said.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
  • If anyone still harbors doubts that Gavin Newsom is contemplating a run for the White House in 2028, this week’s sojourn into South Carolina for some schmoozing with local politicians and photo ops with common folk should dispel them.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Emily soon bonds with the talkative rebel, and their connection eventually blossoms into a full-on romance.
    James Mercadante, EW.com, 8 June 2025
  • They are not injured, just very loud and talkative.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Whatever value DeVito’s playbook knowledge provided should have dissipated since the experienced Wilson and Winston had the entire spring to learn the offense.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • The increases peaked between the hours of 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. and didn’t dissipate until noon on July 5.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Which domains are operationally critical and which are purely communicative?
    Daniel Strauss, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Geminis are social, communicative, and witty, so give your child a name that can keep up!
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • The immense gravity of these central black holes generates huge amounts of friction in the accretion disk, which becomes very hot and radiates energy strongly, especially in ultraviolet wavelengths.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 9 July 2025
  • Juliana Ross hopes to amplify LGBTQ+ voices Julian (Juliana) Ross found his calling in elementary school, drawn to the confidence and beauty that drag queens radiated.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Diffuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diffuse. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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