1
as in to encourage
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
the rousing campaign speech inspired everyone to get out the vote
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to elicit
to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved)
what inspired that comment?
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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
Glad My Mom Died, a dramedy inspired by Jennette McCurdy’s bestselling memoir of the same name with Jennifer Aniston set to star and executive produce.
—
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 1 July 2025
Sánchez wore a custom wedding dress by Dolce & Gabbana inspired by classic 1950s bridal fashion.
—Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
Instead, the character inspired by her own love story is played by Hacks star Megan Stalter, with a cast of up-and-comers rounding out the ensemble of the Netflix comedy-drama that’s sure to generate plenty of conversation.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 1 July 2025
To celebrate its centenary, The New Yorker invited fiction writers to contribute stories inspired by works from the archive, then to explain why those works inspired them.
—Zadie Smith, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 1 July 2025
Sánchez wore a custom wedding dress by Dolce & Gabbana inspired by classic 1950s bridal fashion.
—Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
Instead, the character inspired by her own love story is played by Hacks star Megan Stalter, with a cast of up-and-comers rounding out the ensemble of the Netflix comedy-drama that’s sure to generate plenty of conversation.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 1 July 2025
To celebrate its centenary, The New Yorker invited fiction writers to contribute stories inspired by works from the archive, then to explain why those works inspired them.
—Zadie Smith, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspire
Verb
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The editorial also criticized health benefit eligibility after eight years of service — a policy many cities use to encourage continuity and long-term commitment.—
Josh Levy,
Sun Sentinel,
12 July 2025
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Their main message is to encourage couples to actively consider the decision instead of following the norm.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Throughout the trial's second day, the prosecution, led by Special Prosecutor Shane Young, elicited testimony and evidence against Lawson, 54, who has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence.—
Killian Baarlaer,
The Courier-Journal,
2 July 2025
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In conclusion, the summertime elicits thoughts of swimming, BBQing, and vacationing.—
Jonathan I. Shenkman,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Lin was educated in China and Europe, but lived in the U.S. for three decades.—
Emily Feng,
NPR,
5 July 2025
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In 2021, the city created a civilian community liaison position to connect police with citizens and educate the public.—
Kristine Phillips,
IndyStar,
4 July 2025
Verb
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Designed to evoke the charm of a refined café in Paris, the evening will showcase an exclusive cocktail menu crafted with French ingredients and expert precision in Bar Crenn’s intimate setting.—
Chelsea Davis,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Priced at $12,500, the successor to the 2024 commemorative edition features a new honeycomb-like dial designed to evoke the green signal light of a train.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
29 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspire. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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