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
Sennott married sheer lace to ornate floral inspiration in her Ludovic de Saint Sernin dress, while Charli XCX showcased her Y2K sensibility.
—
Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
Musical inspiration can be a funny thing.
—Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2025
Each engaged couple in attendance will receive a complimentary copy of the 2025 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Wedding Planner, featuring wedding timelines, wedding inspiration, photography, editorials, checklists and a directory of local wedding businesses.
—Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2025
Tell us about the inspiration this time around.
—Essence, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
Musical inspiration can be a funny thing.
—Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2025
Each engaged couple in attendance will receive a complimentary copy of the 2025 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Wedding Planner, featuring wedding timelines, wedding inspiration, photography, editorials, checklists and a directory of local wedding businesses.
—Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2025
Tell us about the inspiration this time around.
—Essence, 29 Oct. 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
-
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
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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
-
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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Leaders who embrace it — by giving agency, reframing emotions and designing for imagination — are closer to breeding resilience and innovation.—
Melissa Jun Rowley,
Rolling Stone,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Every scam didn’t need a clever mastermind; in fact, many seemed to somehow spring from a collective imagination.—
Snigdha Poonam,
The Dial,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The boot features a black leather upper with a platform-style 2-inch heel, providing a height boost without compromising comfort, and a lug sole that’s suitable for icy terrain.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Quince Flowknit Mid-Rise Jogger The Quince pants are crafted from a blend of recycled polyester and spandex, which is quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and stretchy for ultimate comfort while traveling.—
Destinee Scott,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 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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Designed to be breathable, gentle on the skin, and moisture wicking, the quilt offers even the warmest of sleepers relief all night long.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 Oct. 2025
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With the sight mounted in the middle of the receiver, there’s no way for the shooter to get bit by the optic, and the unlimited eye relief avoids the frustration of trying to align the eye with a scope.—
The Editors,
Outdoor Life,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspiration. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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