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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inspire
Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple.
—
Don Riddell, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025
He was inspired by an early scene from the TV show, when the estate’s staff hosted a servant’s ball at Christmastime.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
The lunar eclipse in your sign pushed you to release old versions of yourself and continues to inspire a new sense of self and purpose.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Maybe people are just feeling inspired.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Don Riddell, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025
He was inspired by an early scene from the TV show, when the estate’s staff hosted a servant’s ball at Christmastime.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
The lunar eclipse in your sign pushed you to release old versions of yourself and continues to inspire a new sense of self and purpose.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Maybe people are just feeling inspired.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspire
Verb
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Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
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The Associated Press reported that Robinson’s father recognized his son from the images released by law enforcement, and then encouraged his son to turn himself in.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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That balance is hard to strike, but the sound design elicits emotions in every one of the pivotal scenes.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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While Cook’s position remains in limbo, newly confirmed Fed governor Miran has elicited concerns from Democrats over his close ties with the president.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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He was inspired to start the James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness following his surgeries and the nonprofit's aim was to educate the public about organ and tissue donation.—
Stephanie Kaloi,
PEOPLE,
16 Sep. 2025
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Instead of outsourcing all financial decisions to an advisor or ignoring them out of fear, entrepreneurs are taking small, intentional steps to educate themselves.—
Alejandra Rojas,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At its heart is the tradition of mezze, a luxurious spread of small plates designed for sharing, evoking both intimacy and abundance.—
Shivani Vora,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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In the 1988 New Fashioned, a whiskey cocktail named for the year Vang’s family immigrated to the United States from the Thai refugee camp Ban Vinai, a stately ice cube is engraved with a geometric symbol evoking traditional Hmong embroidery.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspire. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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