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 From posture to elbow, knees to feet, these copper infused styles deliver reliable support without slowing you down. Tory Johnson, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026 But with Sleep No More, premiering in Berlin’s Special Midnight section this week, the director makes a headlong plunge into horror — infusing the genre with black comedy and a pointed critique of humanity’s slavish worship of capitalism. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026 Shaped by his understanding of this relationship between art and politics, it was infused with visual elements inspired by Gaza. Zoe Whitfield, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026 The rosemary- and mint-infused shampoo is a sulfate-free, non-stripping formula that works on all hair types in need of a gentle cleanse and boost of hydration. Claire West, Parents, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for infuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infuse
Verb
  • Your energetic 5th house hosts the meeting of Mercury and Pluto, suffusing your hobbies with cosmic delight.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Reid seemed to truly believe, despite the partisanship that suffused the column, that the Senate had been badly damaged.
    Jon Ralston, The Atlantic, 18 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • For almost a century, directors have found novel ways to imbue the subgenre with wit and hard truths.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Perhaps there’s some unseen optimism guiding Sarah, imbuing the film with a secretly uplifting quality, despite the gloomy subject matter.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Norway, meanwhile, invested more in other sports facilities.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • After that, account holders will have more freedom in how to invest the funds.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Infuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infuse. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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