1
as in to encourage
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
the rousing campaign speech inspired everyone to get out the vote
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to elicit
to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved)
what inspired that comment?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to educate
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
great works of visual art can inspire us in ways that the written word often cannot
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inspire
From high-tops inspired by boxing footwear to jarring-yet-complementary color combinations, the Bulgarian designer’s link-ups with the Japanese sportswear company have produced some of the more captivating collaborations in athletic footwear.
—
Riley Jones, Footwear News, 19 Feb. 2026
Organizers said the artwork should inspire others and help individuals understand the importance of sharing meals and supporting individuals in our community.
—Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket is to inspire and enable the young people of Pawtucket and surrounding communities, especially those with the greatest need, to realize their full potential as healthy, productive, responsible and caring citizens.
—Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 19 Feb. 2026
Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Riley Jones, Footwear News, 19 Feb. 2026
Organizers said the artwork should inspire others and help individuals understand the importance of sharing meals and supporting individuals in our community.
—Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket is to inspire and enable the young people of Pawtucket and surrounding communities, especially those with the greatest need, to realize their full potential as healthy, productive, responsible and caring citizens.
—Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 19 Feb. 2026
Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspire
Verb
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There are more than 150 miles of tunnels across nine underground levels, and guests are encouraged to lick the walls.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
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Virgo The Saturn-Neptune conjunction occurs in your eighth house of intimacy, intimate bonds, and shared resources, encouraging you to grapple with boundaries and limitations tied to your closest relationships.—
Maressa Brown,
InStyle,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The spring and summer months will elicit much mellowing.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
13 Feb. 2026
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The decision elicited protests from families whose children were receiving care at Rady’s gender clinic and from the broader advocacy community that has fought for many years to establish such services in San Diego.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The practice was particularly used by patrolling troops during World War II, according to Smith, who has educated himself in the sport’s long history.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
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Jackson’s advocacy brought him to the Bay Area on many occasions to support local issues, meet and educate young people and speak to local leaders and organizations.—
Laura A. Oda,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The physical description evokes a compact, spiny, wide-eyed animal — the kind of species that would stand out immediately in a field encounter.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
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As for glam, Seyfried’s hair evoked a wild naturalism, with a bevy of flowing curls and plenty of volume.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspire. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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