as in inspiring
causing people to want to do or create something; giving inspiration
an inspirational speaker Her courage is inspirational.
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Recent Examples of inspirational
Here's an inspirational story about a woman who left a stable corporate job to launch a startup.
—
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Poland trailed to Albania’s opening goal just before halftime when its inspirational captain scored his 89th international goal.
—ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Read More TopicsWedding InspirationVogue Weddings Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2026
The party closet is functional and inspirational, practical and beautiful.
—Kelley Bruss, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026
It wasn’t supposed to feel real so much as inspirational, with all the flair and spectacle that adorn fairy tale romances — helicopter ride, cliffside proposal with blinding diamond (string quartet in tow), etc.
—Shamira Ibrahim, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
Exploring alternate points of view could be easier than usual as passionate Mars in your inspirational 9th house trines optimistic Jupiter in your very own sign.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
Jamaica is just my inspirational stamp.
—Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2026
Perhaps risotto alla Milanese had been the inspirational spark, but the result ended up tasting like very savory, luxurious oatmeal.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
Poland trailed to Albania’s opening goal just before halftime when its inspirational captain scored his 89th international goal.
—ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Read More TopicsWedding InspirationVogue Weddings Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2026
The party closet is functional and inspirational, practical and beautiful.
—Kelley Bruss, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026
It wasn’t supposed to feel real so much as inspirational, with all the flair and spectacle that adorn fairy tale romances — helicopter ride, cliffside proposal with blinding diamond (string quartet in tow), etc.
—Shamira Ibrahim, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
Exploring alternate points of view could be easier than usual as passionate Mars in your inspirational 9th house trines optimistic Jupiter in your very own sign.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
Jamaica is just my inspirational stamp.
—Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2026
Perhaps risotto alla Milanese had been the inspirational spark, but the result ended up tasting like very savory, luxurious oatmeal.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspirational
Adjective
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The dynamic stage production, directed by Phillip M Church, features Justine Chichester, Shawn Buller and Laquantis Morton who deliver—verbatim—Taussig’s inspiring and evocative voice.—
Christina Mayo,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
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Attendees will receive a pair of wireless headphones and an earful of inspiring sounds.—
Ben Crandell,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The Heat is now an impressive 12-4 on the second night of back-to-backs this season.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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There’s also an impressive range of side dishes made with seasonal vegetables.—
CNT Editors,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The oil control remains an exciting proposition to control excess shine today for an intelligent matte coverage that adjusts with you.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
31 Mar. 2026
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Amazon's Spring Sale is almost at an end, but there are still some exciting deals for you!—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The widespread reach of social media has brought videos of war zones and the voices of people living through wars to global audiences, but often provocative images and videos that lack context can spread and be reshared in ways that further strip away context and nuance.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
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Reportedly shunned by festivals like Sundance and SXSW last year and ignored by distributors, this provocative chamber drama finally gets a theatrical release from a fledgling shingle, Obscured Releasing, this spring.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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My high school basketball coach was, depending on the day, either a motivational genius or a certified madman.—
Mark Glende,
Twin Cities,
27 Mar. 2026
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With traces of the trap titans that paved the way, Kushington’s motivational raps filled his trapper-friendly The Streets Is Yours debut project, which arrived last March.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspirational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspirational. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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