diffuse
11 synonyms and 2 antonyms for diffuse, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To spread something out through a substance or space, or to spread out that way.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin diffundere, "to pour out in different directions," from dis- plus fundere, "to pour."
Full origin of diffuse →Frequently asked questions
What does “diffuse” mean?
The word “diffuse” means to spread something out through a substance or space, or to spread out that way. In plain terms, spread thin over a wide area, or (for writing) padded out and unfocused.
How do you pronounce “diffuse”?
“Diffuse” is pronounced dih-FYOOZ (/dɪˈfjuz/ in IPA).
How do you use “diffuse” in a sentence?
Here is “diffuse” used in a sentence: “The scent of coffee diffused through the whole house.”
What is another word for “diffuse”?
Words with a similar meaning to “diffuse” include forspread, thin, prolix, dispersed, incompact and loose.
What is the opposite of “diffuse”?
The opposite of “diffuse” — its antonyms — are compact and dense.
What part of speech is “diffuse”?
Depending on how it is used, “diffuse” can be a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “diffuse” come from?
The word “diffuse” comes from Latin. From Latin diffundere, "to pour out in different directions," from dis- plus fundere, "to pour.".
Is “diffuse” a common word?
“Diffuse” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.