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
The formation of my inspiration and my soul came from those people.
—
Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 10 July 2025
Drawing on diatoms for inspiration, the UPenn scientists may have come up with something that can benefit the planet almost as much as these tiny organisms.
—New Atlas, 10 July 2025
In an interview with People in January, Renna opened up about the inspiration behind the book.
—Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
Inside, the truck has a completely custom trim and takes inspiration from the motorsport world with bright green stitching, a green center line marking at the top of the steering wheel and green seatbelts.
—Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 10 July 2025
Drawing on diatoms for inspiration, the UPenn scientists may have come up with something that can benefit the planet almost as much as these tiny organisms.
—New Atlas, 10 July 2025
In an interview with People in January, Renna opened up about the inspiration behind the book.
—Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
Inside, the truck has a completely custom trim and takes inspiration from the motorsport world with bright green stitching, a green center line marking at the top of the steering wheel and green seatbelts.
—Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspiration
Noun
-
Being direct with people earns their respect faster than any lecture about motivation.—
Marek Niedzwiedz,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
That has provided motivation for the 21-year-old receiver.—
Sean Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
Nazar brings speed and creativity to Chicago’s middle six and made history for the franchise this year as the only rookie to score a penalty-shot goal.—
Kaitlyn Pohly,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
-
This doesn't mean abandoning creativity but embedding it in a framework that AI can parse.—
Don Dodds,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Some cities have uplift instead of sinking A few cities on the study's map — San Jose, Memphis and Jacksonville — are depicted with green dots, which indicate uplift.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
-
The spending uptick in May may reflect an uplift in consumer sentiment but not necessarily a turning point for high-end shoppers, according to Chauvet.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
Jason Bateman even offered Shepard some encouragement to lock it down.—
Rachel Flynn,
People.com,
12 July 2025
-
By July, a garden in full bloom may need some encouragement to keep its beautiful flowers in supply.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Social media has become much of the atmosphere in the telling and digestion of crimes in the American public’s imagination of them.—
Jim Halterman,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
-
Such unlikely, but highly consequential possibilities are hardest to foresee due to human bias, but grappling with them can expand strategic imagination and foster more adaptive, option-rich planning.—
François Candelon,
Fortune,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Enjoy resort-style comfort in your backyard for less with chaise lounge chairs that come out to just $90 each.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 July 2025
-
Other travel necessities, like harnesses or comfort items, may further contribute to expenses.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
But another member of the Southeastern Connecticut delegation who served as the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Aundre Bumgardner, D-Groton, said that the Plainfield proposal had been the primary impetus for the bill.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
9 July 2025
-
Still, Streeter suggested that further pressure from the U.K. regulator could provide the impetus required to accelerate changes within the company.—
Karen Gilchrist,
CNBC,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Temporary air conditioning units can provide relief from extreme heat, however these systems consume tremendous amounts of energy.—
Claire Poole,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
-
And there is a clock to be watched that ticks down toward relief.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspiration. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share