inspiring

adjective

in·​spir·​ing in-ˈspī-riŋ How to pronounce inspiring (audio)
Synonyms of inspiringnext
: having an animating or exalting effect

Examples of inspiring in a Sentence

an inspiring idea for a national program in which young people would commit themselves to a year of community service
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For fans at home, watching a professional athlete battle through injury can be inspiring. Dana Santas, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026 Eating the season is easy when the market is full of bright, green leafy vegetables, colorful berries, and all that inspiring spring and summer produce. Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026 Its breadth and depth are awe-inspiring and overwhelming, in the best way possible. Katie James Watkinson, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026 Given all the attention on her and her inspiring story, the image of her being airlifted off the course during the race was their worst-case scenario. Haley Ott, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inspiring

Word History

First Known Use

1717, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inspiring was in 1717

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inspiring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inspiring. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

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