diffuse 1 of 2

Definition of diffusenext

diffuse

2 of 2

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
This year’s Oscar-villain conversation, then, is far more diffuse than ever. Nate Jones, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026 In diseases like glioblastoma — diffuse, infiltrative, and resistant — delivery is often the difference between theoretical efficacy and real-life impact. Sanjay Srivastava, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
They easily could have been mistaken for agitated sports fans, and their actions were small and diffuse enough that they could be quickly dispersed. Davood Moradian, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026 Councilman Wes Rogers, who represents the Northland, had recently gotten involved, too, even knocking on King’s door to attempt to diffuse tension among the neighborhood. Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for diffuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diffuse
Adjective
  • Her rambling answer includes several deep breaths and a pause that has Mike’s mom shaking her head.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2026
  • The thinktank session was held at the rambling 40-acre Mettawa estate of another presidential also-ran, Adlai Stevenson II.
    Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • When the French Revolution turned nobility into a liability, its well-to-do citizens began to disperse themselves amongst the poor, traveling on the right to better avoid being targeted by the masses.
    Byron Hurd, The Drive, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Products that heat or continuously disperse fragrance (including traditional plug-in air fresheners) may be the worst offenders.
    Allison Hatfield, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Oftentimes, a trench coat is the outfit, so picking one with standout detailing, like exaggerated lapels or a chic waist belt, is always a smart move.
    Eva Thomas, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Some critics claim the author has made exaggerated claims in the past about tech, but that is beside the point.
    Parmy Olson, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Efforts by the Kremlin to encourage more births had fallen flat, Sonin said, because women in Russia did not feel safe and secure, with the low birth rate direct evidence of that and effectively dispelling positive images of the country and war promoted by Russia and state-run media.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
  • While there was strong speculation that Durant’s Olympic career had run its course alongside LeBron James, who was 39 during the Paris Olympics, and Stephen Curry, who was 36, Durant’s comments on Monday dispelled that notion as a media narrative.
    Devon Henderson, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In court, Tillman was upbeat and talkative with his federal public defender, Varell Fuller, prior to making his guilty plea.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Loud, funny and talkative, The Big Bopper merged radio and rock stardom and became a larger-than-life entity with a true theatrical presence.
    Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Signaling concerns had not fully dissipated, Salesforce on Wednesday gave mixed guidance for its fiscal first quarter, sending its stock tumbling nearly 5% in after-hours trading.
    Nur Hikmah Md Ali, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Long was diagnosed with a left elbow sprain but already has experienced dissipating soreness.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • From the get-go, Vespaio was incredibly kind and communicative when planning our rehearsal dinner.
    Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
  • The steering, though somewhat isolated due to the car’s grand-touring disposition, feels communicative enough to enable and encourage rather spirited cornering.
    Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • That’s why countries around the world agreed in December 2025 to add more than 70 shark and ray species to an international wildlife trade treaty’s list for full or partial protection.
    Gareth J. Fraser, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Diffuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diffuse. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

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