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diffuse

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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
Dragonfly 44 and its ilk are known as ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs). Lyndie Chiou, Quanta Magazine, 7 Nov. 2022 First, there are two ultra-diffuse galaxies that appear to be satellite members of a massive group dominated by NGC 1052: DF2 and DF4. Ethan Siegel, Forbes, 22 June 2021
Verb
The collection, fusing exaggerated silhouettes and structured romanticism with a touch of Moroccan-esque opulence — opens with diaphanous pieces in soft creams and peaches that diffuse light and create fluid movement. Angela Lei, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 The leading plan in Springfield would create a 19-member board appointed by different regional governments, diffusing responsibility and ensuring a lack of accountability. Forrest Claypool, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for diffuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diffuse
Adjective
  • In the early morning hours of Dec. 26, 1996, Patsy Ramsey called 911 to report her 6-year-old daughter JonBenét missing, and found a rambling ransom note left inside their Boulder, Colorado, home.
    Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2024
  • His statement came a day after the release of the Netflix series, which takes viewers back to the morning after Christmas 28 years ago, when JonBenét’s mother called 911 to report finding a rambling ransom note and her daughter missing.
    Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Given recent rumors that those in bondage intended to rebel, the delegation accepted his explanation, withdrew and convinced the waiting crowd outside to disperse.
    Andrew Lawler, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025
  • As more cops were called to the scene the group dispersed, with more than 200 vehicles speeding off in all directions., Tristian Nandram, 18, of Jamaica, Queens, was arrested about 4 a.m. Monday at another meetup, this one at Zarega and Gleason Ave.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But it was also used to stop other individuals’ display behaviors—dramatic, exaggerated actions or gestures bonobos perform to assert dominance or attract attention.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The exaggerated, puppet-like character designs contribute to the game's mythic, storybook quality.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But these upcoming nuptials have drawn almost too much attention—so much so that the local government felt compelled to share a statement about the wedding to dispel any fears.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Other activities could include: Regular educational workshops and training sessions to dispel myths and misconceptions about transgender identities and experiences.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Finney-Smith has become one of the team’s most talkative players and a consistent source of energy.
    Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2025
  • As Shrek sets out with his talkative sidekick Donkey, the adventure quickly evolves from a simple quest to a journey of self-discovery, unexpected relationships and a lot of hilarity along the way.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The money people know how to use that glaze-over stuff to be able to dissipate the outrage that would result if citizens really knew that politicians were being paid off for certain results.
    Addie Morfoot, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Yet forecasters also warned that flooding could continue for several days in the affected areas even after the heavy rains have dissipated.
    Joe Hernandez, NPR, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Open, warm, and highly communicative, Chauffe, who performs as hemlock, has made a name for herself around the country by embracing a free-spirited and loose approach to her music and her everyday life.
    Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Image The accusations, however, that the institution’s leaders are neither approachable nor communicative will linger after Mr. Hill’s departure.
    Christopher Maag, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • At over six feet long, it’s got a serious presence—perfect for anchoring a living room or quietly radiating main character energy under a gallery wall.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 4 Apr. 2025
  • As domestic stability gets wobbly in Turkey the destabilizing effect will radiate out to the neighboring countries, to the region and beyond.
    Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Diffuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diffuse. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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