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 But a sense of foreboding about the future of the business has begun to infuse even certain corners of this typically uncynical group. Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025 Maximalist Spirit The resurgence of 1970s decor is all about infusing personality into your spaces, in both big and small ways. Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025 This dark, multilingual comedy is infused with an absurdist theatricality and features wickedly good performances. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025 The fast-absorbing, spreadable formula is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and layers beautifully under makeup. Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for infuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infuse
Verb
  • His narration is a constant pleasure — mournful, wry, and suffused with a world-weary poetry.
    Leila Latif, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Does that ideal suffuse your work?
    Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But to those who hold them, especially in public safety, challenge coins are imbued with stories, camaraderie and honor.
    Divyaditya Shrivastava, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Using restrained color palettes, striking natural materials, and warm textures, the firm imbues its interiors with a peaceful elegance and feeling of comfort.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Infuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infuse. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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