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 best Christmas trees are the ones that tell a story—your story—and here’s a little designer inspiration to help you get started.
—
Maria Sabella, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2025
Hijazi became known for blending contemporary fashion with cultural storytelling, often drawing inspiration from his Middle Eastern heritage and exploring themes of identity, queerness, and resistance through bold silhouettes and intricate detailing.
—Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025
The primary inspiration was from my dad, actually.
—Joe Lynch, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2025
The city’s vivacity and cultural richness are a constant source of inspiration and the reason for Farm Rio’s existence—the brand was founded here in 1997—and its signature colorful tropical prints.
—Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Maria Sabella, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2025
Hijazi became known for blending contemporary fashion with cultural storytelling, often drawing inspiration from his Middle Eastern heritage and exploring themes of identity, queerness, and resistance through bold silhouettes and intricate detailing.
—Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025
The primary inspiration was from my dad, actually.
—Joe Lynch, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2025
The city’s vivacity and cultural richness are a constant source of inspiration and the reason for Farm Rio’s existence—the brand was founded here in 1997—and its signature colorful tropical prints.
—Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspiration
Noun
-
Duffy denied any political motivation.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
-
His content, often featuring humorous music about food was intended as motivation for Lomax’s own health journey.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Because of the skills that neurodiverse individuals can bring to the workplace — hyperfocus, creativity, empathy and niche expertise, just to name a few — some research suggests that organizations prioritizing inclusivity in this space generate nearly one-fifth higher revenue.—
Rachel Curry,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Recent scientific studies have found that horticultural therapy promotes creativity, self-esteem, social interaction and sensory stimulation.—
The San Diego Union Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The country has successfully increased its film incentive to 30% on local spend without any cap, up from the initial 15% when first introduced in 2017, with an uplift to 20% before the recent increase at the end of last year.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Ruth Porat, Alphabet and Google’s president and chief investment officer, is a former longtime CFO who is strategically evaluating what’s needed for AI to drive economic uplift.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The program provides support and encouragement to those who are struggling with grief.—
Ramona Sentinel,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Nov. 2025
-
With his mother’s encouragement, Galloway appealed his case to UCLA, and met with an admissions officer.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
For nearly half a century, the Hollywood Bowl has been the stage where John’s imagination meets the hearts of millions.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Nov. 2025
-
My daughter’s imagination inspires me.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Adam Sandler When the days are shorter and colder, something in the air sends us searching for comfort in music.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Valhalla 55 Sport Yacht From Valhalla Boatworks, a subsidiary of Viking Yachts, comes the new V-55 Sport Yacht—a 55-foot platform that combines comfort, luxury, and performance.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
That that might be the impetus for people to try to come together in some way.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Nov. 2025
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The impetus for the collaboration came from Smith’s own experience using garlic in her cooking.—
Emily Burns,
Footwear News,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
While middle-income households may experience modest relief, the majority of benefits will be allocated to those with substantial earnings, investment income, or large estates.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The ruling left little hope for legal relief for Khan or for any Pakistani citizens who find themselves ensnared in similar situations.—
Rafia Zakaria,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspiration. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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