Synonyms of inspiration

inspiration

noun

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.

Related Words

• motivation
• encouragement
• impetus
• incentive
• stimulation
• reason
• stimulus
• inducement
• excitement
• cause
• momentum
• spur
• spark
• fuel
• induction
• provocation
• stimulant
• prod
• boost
• influence
• instigation
• goad
• yeast
• impulse
• jog
• galvanization
• incitement
• mechanism
• tool
• ingredient
• incitation
• antecedent
• factor
• occasion
• determinant
• catalyzer
• lure
• expedient
• enticement

Dissimilar Words

• disincentive
• counterincentive
• subduing

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.

Related Words

• creativity
• imagination
• imaginativeness
• inventiveness
• ideation
• fantasy
• originality
• ingenuity
• brainstorming
• fertility
• resourcefulness
• invention
• fecundity
• brainstorm
• fancy
• contrivance
• versatility
• dream
• daydream
• illusion
• pipe dream
• visualization
• delusion
• mirage
• chimera
• hallucination
• figment
• phantasm
• mind's eye
• envisaging

Dissimilar Words

• literalness
• literality

3

as in uplift

a feeling of ease from grief or trouble

The return of summer brought with it a new sense of inspiration.

Related Words

• uplift
• comfort
• encouragement
• relief
• solace
• consolation
• happiness
• cheer
• reassurance
• assurance
• mitigation
• alleviation
• contentment
• assuagement
• gladness

Dissimilar Words

• distress
• anguish
• torture
• torment
• heartache
• heartbreak

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inspiration

Celebrating the 250th anniversary of our independence shouldn’t be an exercise in nostalgia, but an inspiration to carry on our founders’ spirit. — Ted Leonsis, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026

According to the announcement, the semi-acoustic record draws inspiration from reflective touchstones in Young’s catalog such as Comes a Time and Prairie Wind, with lyrics that grapple with memory, mortality and renewal. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 7 Aug. 2026

This year, our manicures have looked to the drink menu for inspiration just as much as the beauty aisle. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026

That’s when Roberts draws inspiration from his sister’s journals, her voice. — Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026