1
as in motivation
something that arouses action or activity
She traveled cross-country seeking inspiration for her next book. He credits his mother as his inspiration for becoming a social worker.
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2
as in creativity
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others
They were a group of young artists filled with inspiration.
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3
as in uplift
a feeling of ease from grief or trouble
The return of summer brought with it a new sense of inspiration.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inspiration
The hope now for Gunners fans is that their team can take some inspiration from the improved performance, albeit a losing one, against Manchester City yesterday and turn around their form just in time.
—
Ben Church, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026
Chefs take inspiration from traditional Alentejo cuisine with delicious, deceptively simple dishes, with standouts including green gazpachos, cozido stews, and baked river trout.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Apr. 2026
The Uno x Only collection draws inspiration from the distinctive visual identity of the game, translating its bold color scheme and graphic elements into women’s tops, dresses, denim and more.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026
Quiñones often took inspiration from cartoons and comic books, painting dragons or, most famously, Howard the Duck.
—Paula Aceves, Curbed, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Ben Church, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026
Chefs take inspiration from traditional Alentejo cuisine with delicious, deceptively simple dishes, with standouts including green gazpachos, cozido stews, and baked river trout.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Apr. 2026
The Uno x Only collection draws inspiration from the distinctive visual identity of the game, translating its bold color scheme and graphic elements into women’s tops, dresses, denim and more.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026
Quiñones often took inspiration from cartoons and comic books, painting dragons or, most famously, Howard the Duck.
—Paula Aceves, Curbed, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspiration
Noun
-
Although the trial may have gone in Scott's favor, Gill was highly critical of the Middletown narcotic detective's actions and questioned his motivation.—
Juliet Pennington,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
-
This tax finally gave companies motivation to prioritize accounting for these societal costs.—
Larz May,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Be honest about what’s workable, and let creativity thrive within boundaries.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
-
These details feel distinctly human, inviting curiosity, creativity, and connection.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As Hollywood’s presence in Illinois grows, state lawmakers last year expanded the film and TV subsidy program to include the uplift.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Opened in 2018, the stand-alone Starbucks on Cicero Avenue provided a great canvas for the refresh, said Stephenie Rychlik, a design director for Starbucks whose team is overseeing the uplift at all 200 Chicago-area stores.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
During Game 1, Doncic offered advice and encouragement to his teammates from the bench.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2026
-
With a little encouragement, and after a bit of sake, Isa Briones will pull out her party trick at karaoke.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Romantic Venus sextiles dreamy Neptune, softening conversations and opening space for empathy, imagination, and meaningful exchange.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Ko’s conception of the wuxia genre centers on imagination as a martial force.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Sometimes in comfort; other times in warning.—
Lizzie Johnson,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Despite the losses and ongoing uncertainty, Hunter finds comfort in the fact her family made it out alive.—
Ryan Brennan
April 24,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
And all of that had to go aside from the impetus and a few choice lines.—
Peter Larsen,
Oc Register,
23 Apr. 2026
-
And that was the impetus of Mile End Kicks.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Ronald McDonald House officials said their goal is to provide exceptional comfort and relief to families caring for sick or injured children.—
Nakell Williams,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Early estimates pegged total consumer tax relief at $135 billion to $150 billion, with Bank of America Research projecting refunds alone running 18% higher than 2025.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspiration. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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