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 Which is probably why Val Kilmer needed that lofty treehouse overlooking an ancient river in a beautifully arid land suffused with mystery. Marco Della Cava, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025 His work is suffused with such affection for the edge places where Europe bleeds into its others—Venice, Trieste, Alexandria, Algiers—that the continent becomes all edge. Nicholas Dames, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025 Kaunas: Where the Grand Duchy Endures As the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania — one of Europe’s largest and most powerful nations during the Late Middle Ages and early Renaissance — Kaunas is suffused with history. Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Pak Bae The music of the indie rock band Japanese Breakfast is suffused with longing. Lindsay Totty, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suffuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffuse
Verb
  • Additionally, using a gentle, acne-fighting body wash infused with ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, which kills bacteria, and exfoliating glycolic and salicylic acids is beneficial for treating acne and reducing the appearance of dark spots over time.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 June 2025
  • Geometric lines and flattened fields of colour are infused with influences of Modigliani and Russian avant‑garde art, combined with decorative patterns inspired by Godsk’s upbringing in the fairground community.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • The key is its ability to penetrate the skin beyond the surface barrier.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 20 June 2025
  • It's designed to penetrate up to 200 feet underground before exploding.
    Ellen Uchimiya, CBS News, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • That last step has given this spirit a deep, dark color and imbued the liquid with notes of pine, roasted pecans, dark chocolate, and caramelized brown sugar.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 June 2025
  • Ducati intends to imbue each of its off-roading motorcycles with the same level of craftsmanship, precision engineering and attention to detail that the rest of its lineup receives.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • Her disappearance forms the pervading mystery in Dept. Q Season 1.
    Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
  • Thanks to its unparalleled access to nature and the outdoor culture that pervades the city, Chattanooga recently earned the distinction of being North America’s first National Park City, a new designation that celebrates communities that protect their natural resources for generations to come.
    Graham Averill, Outside Online, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • The company plans to invest savings into new product and technology development.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 25 June 2025
  • Boulos, who was speaking at the US-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola, championed the prospect of lasting peace creating an environment where US businesses would be more willing to invest.
    Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The resulting project is permeated with Lone Star State soul and grit, an album with not only the potential to further scale McCollum’s career, but to peel back new layers of his personality and artistry.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 24 June 2025
  • Pope said working on the ability to reject content is an important aspect of making sure toxic diet culture doesn’t permeate one’s mental health, and recommended seeking professional support through therapists and dietitians if unhealthy thoughts persist.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly recently suggested the Yankees could swing a trade for Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez to fill the massive hole at third base in the Bronx.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • Send three thoughtful messages daily and watch your pipeline fill with warm leads.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Imbued with empathy, Canseco is poised to extend the ambassador mentality inculcated at the fair in her first-in-her-family journey to college.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2025
  • Abe was part of a conservative faction of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and known for his association with Nippon Kaigi, an influential conservative organization that among other goals advocated teaching Japanese history to inculcate national pride.
    Jennifer Lind, Foreign Affairs, 12 July 2022

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Cite this Entry

“Suffuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffuse. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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