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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of inspire
The idea that a board game could inspire agriculture was tickling my imagination.
—
Matt Negrin, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2025
Her first, most public step came in 2016 with the launch of her fragrance line, Natalie, inspired by her mother.
—Liz McNeil, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2025
Wedgwood is creating a series of mugs inspired by fifth-century Greek creations selected from the designer’s personal collection.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025
Watching my toddler make art–smiling, laughing, expressing joy–inspires me.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Matt Negrin, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2025
Her first, most public step came in 2016 with the launch of her fragrance line, Natalie, inspired by her mother.
—Liz McNeil, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2025
Wedgwood is creating a series of mugs inspired by fifth-century Greek creations selected from the designer’s personal collection.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025
Watching my toddler make art–smiling, laughing, expressing joy–inspires me.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspire
Verb
-
Knocking down webs on your porch and around entries will encourage spiders to move on to somewhere else.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
The 52 mm black titanium case evokes the exterior of the hypercar, with the front grille flanked by two cooling inlets.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
20 Sep. 2025
-
As with her previous films, Zhao indulges in natural imagery while evoking the humanity of her protagonists, played by Paul Mescal and an especially good Jessie Buckley.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspire. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share