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
And in fact, Dench provided inspiration even earlier than that.
—
Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
Keep reading for all the platform sandals + denim outfit inspiration on my mood board this spring.
—Alex Sales, Glamour, 15 Feb. 2026
Gamson went on to co-write and co-produce the final solo album by Roger Troutman, whose work with Zapp was one of Cupid & Psyche’s earliest and biggest inspirations.
—Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 15 Feb. 2026
The inspiration came during pregnancy and took shape after my son’s birth, as the baby grew and discovered the world.
—Kevin Giraud, Variety, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
Keep reading for all the platform sandals + denim outfit inspiration on my mood board this spring.
—Alex Sales, Glamour, 15 Feb. 2026
Gamson went on to co-write and co-produce the final solo album by Roger Troutman, whose work with Zapp was one of Cupid & Psyche’s earliest and biggest inspirations.
—Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 15 Feb. 2026
The inspiration came during pregnancy and took shape after my son’s birth, as the baby grew and discovered the world.
—Kevin Giraud, Variety, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspiration
Noun
-
Heldman and Nicholson’s lucid, intelligent script thus assigns characters very different, more nuanced motivations from those we are used to in iterations of this story.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
-
All of this raises questions about their motivations, competence and conflicts of interests, which should be squarely prohibited under the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause.—
Elizabeth Shackelford,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
At Victoria Dockside near the Avenue of Stars, K11 MUSEA vows to spark creativity through culture.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Photos will be judged on focus, lighting, composition, creativity, storytelling and overall impact, with special attention to native species, officials said.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Through these two decades, thick and COVID-lockdown thin, Beethoven has been Dudamel’s composer of uplift.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
With a trip to the Etihad to come on Saturday, Newcastle's uplift could swiftly be punctured.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Jordan wrapped his arms around Wallace from behind and spoke closely into Wallace's ear in a brief speech of encouragement.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Looking for inspirational lessons from elsewhere in the surrounding region doesn’t yield much encouragement.—
Alaa Shahine Salha,
semafor.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
We are limited only by our imagination as to the best use of this wonderful site.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Feb. 2026
-
We are then limited only by our own imagination and ability to create.—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Until recently, his only comfort was a large orangutan plush toy that some brilliant member of staff gifted him as a tool for muscle building and maternal replacement.—
Culture Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Inside, hyaluronic acid microspheres and peptides draw moisture into the lips, while botanical butters lock it in; depositing onto lips a cooling, balm texture that enhances comfort.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That impetus brought Lance Hammer back out of the woodwork, a gauntlet thrown to himself to think through problematic contradictions involving the quite different — and often sparring — human verticals of capability, autonomy, and decline.—
Ritesh Mehta,
IndieWire,
18 Feb. 2026
-
That, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer said, was the impetus for his 2002 album The Rising.—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The problem, said Carvalho, has been substantially caused by the end of one-time COVID-relief aid and declining enrollment — drops not matched by a concurrently smaller workforce.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Jory Downer, the owner of Bennison’s Bakery, said the eating contest originally began as a fundraiser to raise money for Haitian relief following Hurricane Tomas’ hit in 2010.—
Claire Murphy,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspiration. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
