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 The brand’s signature Plum Superfruit Complex—infused with antioxidant-rich oil and extract derived from farm-fresh plums—locks in moisture and supports collagen production. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026 TrimTab Brewing excels at fruity sours infused with watermelon or peach. Bob Carlton, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026 Even after reducing the overall price tag with health care components expected to be covered by millions in federal rural health care dollars, the House didn’t approve the measure, which would have infused rural areas with funding for education, transportation and economic development. Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2026 Clint Eastwood and Hackman united decades later for 1992's Unforgiven, and Hackman won another Oscar for playing Little Bill, the black-hat sheriff infused with Popeye DNA. Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for infuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infuse
Verb
  • Ever since, lines from the movies haveshaped our hopes and dreams and aspirations and have suffused our everyday conversations.
    Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Fredericksburg, Texas Located in the Texas Hill Country with a population just shy of 12,000, Fredericksburg was founded in 1846 by German immigrants—and that heritage suffuses the town's food, architecture, and culture today.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Each rhythmic stop-and-start, each peel of feedback is imbued with the sense that the band might fully crumble into noise and dissonance.
    Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Liquid fuels imbued rockets with a more powerful thrust and, thanks to their variable flow, also offered more control—precisely what would be needed for any serious attempt at spaceflight.
    Lee Billings, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Annual contribution caps, even with catch-up provisions, restrict how much can be invested each year.
    Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The American Israel Public Affairs Committee invested millions into several House contests, hoping to box out progressive, anti-Israel candidates from winning safe Democratic strongholds.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Infuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infuse. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on infuse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster