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 This recipe, which calls for an Instant Pot, infuses creamy pinto beans with the mild, smoky notes of bacon. Herbs and spices like chili powder, cumin, and even fresh cilantro impart a decadent richness to the broth. Yvette Zuniga Jemison, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025 Formulated with 10 percent vitamin C, the serum is also infused with La Roche-Posay’s thermal spring water, an antioxidant-rich salve that hydrates and soothes the skin. Jenny Berg, Allure, 24 Jan. 2025 This dynamic approach infuses its designs with elements that speak directly to contemporary life, making the brand feel both authentic and innovative—without ever losing sight of its roots—the refined influence of the Giorgio Armani Atelier is never too far away. Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 What, then, led Zuckerberg to claim that the workplace has been neutered and must be infused with masculine energy? Adam Stanaland, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for infuse 

Thesaurus Entries Near infuse

Cite this Entry

“Infuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/infuse. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on infuse

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