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
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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
While the Dartmouth players withdrew their unionization petition after the 2024 presidential election, their success could inspire similar efforts at other schools.
—
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Oct. 2025
The lobby’s living room, with sculptural chandeliers and circular couches, just might inspire a home makeover of your own.
—Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2025
Carpenter spoke about Swift in 2020 during an interview with Apple Music, explaining how the 14-time Grammy winner inspired her.
—Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
This version is inspired by the watch in the film.
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Oct. 2025
The lobby’s living room, with sculptural chandeliers and circular couches, just might inspire a home makeover of your own.
—Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2025
Carpenter spoke about Swift in 2020 during an interview with Apple Music, explaining how the 14-time Grammy winner inspired her.
—Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
This version is inspired by the watch in the film.
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspire
Verb
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Attendees left the event with tourniquets or trauma bandages and were encouraged to reach out to Bound Tree Medical to purchase additional supplies for their congregations.—
Nour Rahal,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
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Deadheading encourages chocolate cosmos plants to produce more flower buds, keeping plants productive.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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After going public together on social media, the pair have elicited strong reactions from people in their comments — some appalled by their age gap and others who quickly jump to their defense.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
29 Sep. 2025
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For the Reds, who have not participated in the postseason after a 162-game season since 2013, the postseason berth elicited joy.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At first, the state regulators tried various strategies to educate customers about the addictive nature of gambling, as well as the financial risks.—
Karen Brown,
NPR,
30 Sep. 2025
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Local officials, as well as nonprofit and community groups, are also making efforts to educate residents about their rights and keep them informed about the imminent federal operation.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The mountains glowed with golden light, evoking a sense of enchantment and possibility.—
Lisa Greissinger,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
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Other designs seen throughout the performance included the Cassia Annmac taking cues from the soft cocoon of leg warmers; the Cassiasticina evoking ballerina slippers and the Ruben style, the first Cassia creation in the men’s range.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspire. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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