Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

Permeate

Diffuse

The most appropriate synonym of the given word permeate is diffuse.

• Permeate means to spread throughout something.
• Diffuse means to spread out or disperse widely.

The two words are similar in that they both suggest the idea of spreading something out or dispersing it widely. However, the word permeate has a more specific meaning that is focused on spreading something through something else, while the word diffuse has a more general meaning that is focused on spreading something out in any way.

The other words on the list are not as appropriate synonyms for permeate. The word exude means to give off or emit something, the word continue means to go on or keep happening, the word remain means to stay or continue to exist, and the word stay means to remain in a particular place or condition. These words do not convey the same sense of spreading something out or dispersing it widely as the word permeate.