diffuse 1 of 2

Definition of diffusenext

diffuse

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective diffuse differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of diffuse are prolix, verbose, and wordy. While all these words mean "using more words than necessary to express thought," diffuse stresses lack of compactness and pointedness of style.

diffuse memoirs that are so many shaggy-dog stories

When would prolix be a good substitute for diffuse?

The meanings of prolix and diffuse largely overlap; however, prolix suggests unreasonable and tedious dwelling on details.

habitually transformed brief anecdotes into prolix sagas

When is verbose a more appropriate choice than diffuse?

While the synonyms verbose and diffuse are close in meaning, verbose suggests a resulting dullness, obscurity, or lack of incisiveness or precision.

the verbose position papers

Where would wordy be a reasonable alternative to diffuse?

Although the words wordy and diffuse have much in common, wordy may also imply loquaciousness or garrulity.

a wordy speech

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 diffuse
Adjective
Empathy can change our perspective, diffuse conflicts and transform our relationships. R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026 Lasers emit a single precise wavelength (630 nanometers); LEDs emit a broader range clustered around a target wavelength, making lasers more precise while LEDs are more diffuse. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
Fragrances and discreetly placed incense will diffuse gradually throughout the rooms, creating a soft, steam-like presence that enhances the environment. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026 Iranian officials told The New York Times that a last-minute push from China ultimately helped convince Tehran to diffuse tensions. Jared Gans, The Hill, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for diffuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diffuse
Adjective
  • Thankfully, Babitz did exactly that — no rambling thoughts, petty accusations or amusing missives left unsaid.
    Michael Schaub, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
  • Despite this rambling semi-introduction, Newman’s film makes quick work of all of this, recognizing that getting to the Tova-and-Cameron show (with, of course, many guest appearances by Marcellus) is the entire point of the picture.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • The report suggests that more unhoused people are dispersed across the county than in previous counts.
    Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 14 May 2026
  • When in use, fans can disperse allergens into the air, so keeping them clean can help improve the air quality in your home and help allergy sufferers breathe better.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • He is accompanied by the Cubans Piñera and Rodríguez Tomeu, who read fragments of poems in a flowery, exaggerated way.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
  • And Cannes was an exaggerated version.
    Derek Lawrence, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • Pig myths and misunderstandings McLeod and Jennings are quick to dispel myths about their family of pigs.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 May 2026
  • Researchers are trying to dispel inaccurate information, but regional newspapers seem bent on perpetuating fear.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a social, buzzy quality to this transit that thrives on movement and mental stimulation, which is why people may suddenly feel more talkative, distracted or eager to multitask.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
  • Teaching first grade has always involved dealing with wiggly and talkative kids.
    Stacker, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • This waste occurs because high-energy electrons generated by sunlight rapidly dissipate their excess energy as heat before they can be converted into useful work.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
  • If it can be said that a honeymoon period prevailed following the 2021 agreements, that sense of fellow feeling has long since dissipated.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • To take plants seriously as living, breathing, conscious, and communicative beings, the movie suggests, requires a measure of time, an embrace of solitude, and a retreat from the hectic anxieties of the modern world.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
  • Do what feels right for you and stay communicative; those are great steps toward bonding.
    Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • After tracking a large school of Mobula rays for some time, Bingqiam Gao decided to try a different approach: Get ahead and wait.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2026
  • The PlayStation 5 Pro is a more powerful spin on the vanilla PS5, thanks to ray tracing and AI upscaling that give games a visual boost.
    Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Diffuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diffuse. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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