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 Told over the course of six summers, then picking up a decade later, the feel-good tale infuses the perfect amount of depth and emotion to elevate it beyond a typical teen romance. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 June 2026 Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough As home bakers look for accessible ways to infuse their sweet treats with extra flavor and richness, brown butter has stepped into the spotlight. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2026 The base of the spirit is made from decaffeinated Arabica beans from Brazil, Vietnam, and Uganda, which are roasted, ground, and finally infused over a 25-day period. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 June 2026 In 2018, Howard’s son, Jeremy, and his business partner, Andrew Stewart, launched Blue Barren Distillery, creating and serving spirits, some infused with wild blueberries from the Brodis farm. Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for infuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for infuse
Verb
  • As the first show without late drummer/lyricist Neil Peart since 1974, the kick-off was suffused with nearly overwhelming emotion, both onstage and off.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 10 June 2026
  • That essay, written in 1940 — the same year Native Son was published — is suffused with profound hopelessness for what was indeed to come.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • Reading from Beloved’s final, stunning page, Namwali and Vinson trace how Morrison imbues meaning on the level of syntax and crafts her words into a story that cannot be forgotten.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • Josh O’Connor and Emily Blunt are his overwhelmed disciples, imbued with discomfiting powers that could be key to making contact with these otherworldly guests.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • For these supporters — those who invest the most time, money and energy into following Thomas Tuchel’s side — the picture feels rather different.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 10 June 2026
  • No minimum to open a Fidelity Go® account, but minimum $10 balance for robo-advisor to start investing.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 10 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Infuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infuse. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on infuse

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