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
-
Spontaneity delivered 24 frames per second will be prioritized over preparation and motivation.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Duncan’s announcement caused some of his former political allies to question his motivations.—
Taylor Millard,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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At Ironworks Steaks and Fine Cocktails, Chef Joseph Cusmano brings creativity and skill to a traditional steakhouse menu with a few fun surprises to keep diners on their toes.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Simply add your own creativity and can-do spirit.—
Kathy Barnes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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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
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With encouragement from her family, Zarna hit the New York comedy scene in 2019, performing at open mics and the Westside Comedy Club.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
1 Nov. 2025
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But not mere notes of encouragement.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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For decades, the dream of personal flight, as envisioned by jetpacks, hoverboards, and flying cars, has captured our imagination.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Paddington Bear’s meeting with a BBC News journalist appears to have captured the imagination of fans after the marmalade-loving mammal made his debut in a West End musical.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
4 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
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Stamford and Columbia University have committed to research using The Pippins as the impetus, according to Chris Norton.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
24 Oct. 2025
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Part of the impetus for all these openings is the same reason Las Vegas is so primed for these restaurants in the first place.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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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
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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 8 Nov. 2025.
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