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
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Dissimilar Words
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
Dissimilar Words
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 inspiration
Musical inspiration Music is another recurring theme for the Festivale.
—
Eve Chen, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
Even in the ‘90s, many still looked to Diana’s nuptials for fashion inspiration — including Mariah Carey, whose 1993 satin Vera Wang gown was modeled after the seminal dress — but Bessette-Kennedy wasn’t one of them.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Others took issue with the ad playing into the male gaze and seemingly taking its inspiration from Brooke Shields' controversial 1980 denim campaign with Calvin Klein.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Highest 2 Lowest is a loose remake of the 1963 Akira Kurosawa film High and Low, which drew inspiration from Ed McBain’s 1959 crime novel King’s Ransom.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Eve Chen, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
Even in the ‘90s, many still looked to Diana’s nuptials for fashion inspiration — including Mariah Carey, whose 1993 satin Vera Wang gown was modeled after the seminal dress — but Bessette-Kennedy wasn’t one of them.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Others took issue with the ad playing into the male gaze and seemingly taking its inspiration from Brooke Shields' controversial 1980 denim campaign with Calvin Klein.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Highest 2 Lowest is a loose remake of the 1963 Akira Kurosawa film High and Low, which drew inspiration from Ed McBain’s 1959 crime novel King’s Ransom.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspiration
Noun
-
San Diego State coach Sean Lewis brings in speakers from time to time who can provide motivation, education and inspiration to the football team.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Aug. 2025
-
Over the decades his methods and motivations have been the subject of intense scrutiny and not a little criticism.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Professionals who thrive will combine in-demand technical skills with human qualities such as creativity, empathy and critical thinking—abilities that artificial intelligence still can’t fully replicate.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Whether it’s outfitted with a bookshelf full of beloved paperbacks, a comfy chaise lounge, or a dedicated art table, the goal is the same: create a space that fosters rest, creativity, and quiet—no notifications.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The Canyon was formed millions of years ago through the uplift of igneous and metamorphic rock and carved by the Colorado River through erosion.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
2 Aug. 2025
-
Additionally, this evolutionary innovation overlapped with the rapid uplift of the Andes mountains.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
Ideas are met with encouragement, ambition is recognized rather than questioned, and growth feels limitless.—
Rachelle Rutherford,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Both documents were filed under seal, so not released to the public, and followed encouragement from the judge presiding over the case to investigate likely violations of the court’s gag order.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Moss designed the whimsical room with warm colors and materials to help invite imagination.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Visit, relax, unwind, and allow your mind and imagination to enjoy and explore the beauty of this world-class institution.—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Infrared light and ‘dust-phobic vibration’ The Elevated Velocity has modes for interior comfort and different kinds of travel, from handsfree relaxation to desert racing.—
Mark Phelan,
Freep.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Stay cool with clothing: Select lightweight and loose-fitting outfits for enhanced comfort.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Advertisement In New York, part of the impetus for this bail reform was the story of Kalief Browder, a young man in the Bronx who was arrested at age 16 for allegedly stealing a backpack.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
12 Aug. 2025
-
When decisions are made by any medical organization with financial interests, the primary impetus of the Oath is lost; the AMA’s control over payment schedules reinforces and exemplifies a corrupt institutional flaw.—
David Marks,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
By Tuesday afternoon, Aztecs players and coaches — and fans — could breathe a collective sigh of relief.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Aug. 2025
-
July ended slightly above average, but nowhere nearly as hot as last year, the second-warmest July on record. Record-breaking heat is bearing down on Phoenix again, with dangerously high temperatures climbing past 110 degrees and little chance of relief from the monsoon in sight.—
Hayleigh Evans,
AZCentral.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspiration. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share