Synonym Chooser

How does the verb suffuse differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of suffuse are imbue, infuse, ingrain, inoculate, and leaven. While all these words mean "to introduce one thing into another so as to affect it throughout," suffuse implies a spreading through of something that gives an unusual color or quality.

a room suffused with light

When might imbue be a better fit than suffuse?

The meanings of imbue and suffuse largely overlap; however, imbue implies the introduction of a quality that fills and permeates the whole being.

imbue students with intellectual curiosity

When is it sensible to use infuse instead of suffuse?

The words infuse and suffuse can be used in similar contexts, but infuse implies a pouring in of something that gives new life or significance.

new members infused enthusiasm into the club

Where would ingrain be a reasonable alternative to suffuse?

The words ingrain and suffuse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ingrain, used only in the passive or past participle, suggests the deep implanting of a quality or trait.

clung to ingrained habits

When can inoculate be used instead of suffuse?

In some situations, the words inoculate and suffuse are roughly equivalent. However, inoculate implies an imbuing or implanting with a germinal idea and often suggests stealth or subtlety.

an electorate inoculated with dangerous ideas

When is leaven a more appropriate choice than suffuse?

While in some cases nearly identical to suffuse, leaven implies introducing something that enlivens, tempers, or markedly alters the total quality.

a serious play leavened with comic moments

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 suffuse Eerie, twisty, and suffused with rich storytelling, this is a story about strong women and the men who seek to control them. Kalie Cassidy july 25, Literary Hub, 25 July 2025 The notion that Social Security faces a shortfall suffuses the national conversation about retirement. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 24 July 2025 Advertisement The answering note to its prevailing ironic treatment of Sir Walter is of course the melancholy and hint of regret that suffuse much of the novel’s tone. Brandon Taylor, Time, 17 July 2025 Slattery discussed on the ATX panel how the show's popular vodka martinis were replicated by suffusing water with onion. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for suffuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffuse
Verb
  • The twist, however, is that it’s infused with tourmaline, a naturally energizing crystal said to boost circulation and revive radiance, plus laminaria saccharina extract, a kelp that helps absorb excess oil, so skin feels fresh and balanced.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The reintroduction of Lady Mary Talbot, formerly Crawley (Michelle Dockery), features the aristocrat in a striking, red sleeveless gown, inspired by designs from the 1930s and infused with certain contemporary elements.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Later on, water may have penetrated through cracks in the rock, depositing minerals to create the calcium sulfate veins and leopard spots.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Fewer GCRs penetrating to earth’s atmosphere would mean fewer clouds to reflect heat and thus more global warming.
    Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The rise of the bias cut was a silhouette on which Robbins wanted to focus, imbuing the fluid style with elements of luxury and glamour intrinsic to the aristocracy.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
  • But this time, Singer has gone down in size with an unusual gloss lacquer departure imbued with a dressy twist.
    Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Kirk's death also comes at a time when free speech issues are pervading college campuses around the country and prompting fierce debate among school leaders about how best to respond.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • There’s a clunkiness that pervades the entire enterprise.
    Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • What’s more, the money invested on a regular basis by a 401(k) participant might not be put to work until the fund manager finds the next deal to invest in.
    Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
  • And staffers at other tech companies, including Nvidia, Canva, and Palantir, who invested early have also made it into the exclusive wealth club.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This ruthless cartel is intent on cashing in, permeating our communities with their poison, with no regard to human suffering.
    Jon Haworth, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025
  • There are so many more, and the latest filmmaker to make her mark with this kind of structure is Alice Winocour, who has brought together three very different women to the annual Paris Fashion Week, exploring themes of people uniting to repair and resolve issues permeating their lives.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • At night, the fire crackled while insects filled the air and a distant lion let out a low, steady rumble.
    Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Companies are increasingly stepping into roles traditionally held by colleges, universities, and trade schools, creating their own certification programs to address skill gaps that formal education hasn't filled.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Notably, said Kriner, individuals who are inculcated with a sense of nihilism do not commit crimes to achieve an ideological goal.
    Odette Yousef, NPR, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Another important way is to inculcate mindfulness by observing anger as a passing emotion rather than being all consumed by it.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suffuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffuse. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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