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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

Examples 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
Coleman said diffusing the situation includes creating a space and time for constructive conversations and setting up expectations—what is the point of the conversation? Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024 For that extra touch of discerning luxury, the hotel has partnered with local Mayfair artisans to offer items such as silk dressing gowns by New & Lingwood in the signature suites and a bespoke scent created by Ormonde Jayne that is diffused throughout the reception area. Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for diffuse 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diffuse
Adjective
  • 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
  • There is more than 178 feet of beach and ocean frontage, which can be accessed via a rambling wooden staircase.
    Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • On November 25, during the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, police deployed teargas to disperse a small group of demonstrators who gathered despite harsh weather conditions.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Protesters in Tbilisi gathered behind makeshift barricades and launched fireworks toward lines of armored police, who sought to disperse the demonstrations with water cannons, tear gas and baton-wielding charges.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 2 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • And then, Jamie suddenly returned in the episode’s final moments, proving that reports of his death had been greatly exaggerated.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Cats use exaggerated movements to show emotions, rather than painting them on their faces.
    Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • However, Lloyd's management team quickly released a statement dispelling those reports.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Religious beliefs famously cannot be dispelled through arguments over evidence, which does not bode well for anyone who wishes to wrest the American public out of Kennedy’s grasp.
    Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Introverts may become talkative, or extroverts quiet and withdrawn.
    Dr. Talia Varley, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Energetic and talkative, Patel speaks of his peers on Devon with the comfort and humor of a longtime community member.
    Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • To offset this possibility, the loaves are flipped upside down to cool, skewered through their lower circumferences on dowels and left to hang, bat-like, until the steam and heat, and their softening effects, have dissipated.
    Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024
  • The meeting passed the three-hour mark, and the excitement that had animated its early moments dissipated under the strain of governance.
    Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Finally, as communicative Mercury coordinates with ethereal Neptune at 8:33 pm EDT, our intuition and creativity are highlighted while frustration melts away.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Related Articles Cale Makar’s big night helps Avalanche solve Flyers NHL referee Mitch Dunning communicative, can move extremities following violent collision in Avs-Flyers game The Avs are in the nation’s capital to face the Capitals again Thursday.
    Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 19 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • That's where its shooting stars and fireballs radiate from — close to the end of the handle of the Big Dipper — but they can be seen anywhere in the night sky.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Greenhouse gases trap the heat that radiates from the sun, Astrid Caldas, a senior climate scientist for community resilience at the Union of Concerned Scientists, told ABC News.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 11 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near diffuse

Cite this Entry

“Diffuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diffuse. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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