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 Meanwhile, two sauna masters shovelled ice infused with fragrant oil onto the rocks and performed an Aufguss, a German ritual in which towels are twirled to spread scented air. Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026 When James Graham’s play Ink premiered in London in 2017 and jumped to Broadway two years later, director Rupert Goold infused the drama with rollercoaster momentum, extravagant musical flourishes and jolts of bawdy low comedy. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 Google is developing smart glasses with the affordable eyewear maker Warby Parker, and Apple is reportedly working on infusing cameras and AI into its hugely popular AirPods. Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 2 Sep. 2026 However, there’s something extra-special about a sweet treat infused with the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter. Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for infuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infuse
Verb
  • The threat of shattered glass if the bottle breaks, the subsequent odor suffusing all the items in your carryon, liquids seeping dangerously close to electronics—none of it sounds like a good idea.
    Chloe Schama, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
  • But Pete took the idea one step further, taking the organization’s iconic symbol — the star — and suffusing it with a deeper meaning.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The flavor has since gone on to be imbued in bagels, over the counter medicines and ice cream.
    James Powel, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • These more stately spaces are balanced with a playful energy, imbued via touches like whimsical wallpaper in many of the powder rooms.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Mid-cap companies are also investing more in building new capacity, Nitin Bhasin, head of institutional equities at Ambit Capital, told CNBC.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Americans have conflicting sensibilities about the comparative virtues of investing money and paying down debt.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Infuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infuse. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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