1
as in motivations
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 comforts
a feeling of ease from grief or trouble
The return of summer brought with it a new sense of inspiration.
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Recent Examples of inspirations
The New Space Age Artemis II may not have landed on the moon, but inspirations from the cosmos landed in the hands of watchmakers.
—
Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
The menu is playful and draws from a number of inspirations, but Texas remains the center of its universe.
—Nathanael Gassett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026
In her application essay, Madison shared why Haynes is one of her inspirations.
—Janelle Burrell, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
In fact, Sabich and Kidd were the inspirations behind Robert Redford and James Salter's 1969 film Downhill Racer.
—Katie Mather, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
Lowery discussed the origins and real-life musical inspirations for Hathaway’s character on the Filmmaker Toolkit podcast.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2026
Midcentury inspirations abound in West Elm’s take on a secretary desk.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 24 Apr. 2026
Loiseau was cited as one of the main inspirations for the character of Auguste Gusteau in Ratatouille, the chef who dies of a broken heart after a scathing review by food critic Anton Ego leads to the loss of one of his stars.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
The script began as a story of a 16th century warlord and his three sons—Kurosawa only added elements of Lear later on, alongside other references and inspirations.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026
Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
The menu is playful and draws from a number of inspirations, but Texas remains the center of its universe.
—Nathanael Gassett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026
In her application essay, Madison shared why Haynes is one of her inspirations.
—Janelle Burrell, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
In fact, Sabich and Kidd were the inspirations behind Robert Redford and James Salter's 1969 film Downhill Racer.
—Katie Mather, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
Lowery discussed the origins and real-life musical inspirations for Hathaway’s character on the Filmmaker Toolkit podcast.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2026
Midcentury inspirations abound in West Elm’s take on a secretary desk.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 24 Apr. 2026
Loiseau was cited as one of the main inspirations for the character of Auguste Gusteau in Ratatouille, the chef who dies of a broken heart after a scathing review by food critic Anton Ego leads to the loss of one of his stars.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
The script began as a story of a 16th century warlord and his three sons—Kurosawa only added elements of Lear later on, alongside other references and inspirations.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspirations
Noun
-
Asking a musician about their influences can elicit a boiler plate response revealing little about their mindset and motivations.—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
-
The difference between a genuinely pro-family agenda and a coercive one lies in the underlying assumptions and motivations.—
Sonya Borrero,
STAT,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
The experience leans heavily into expedition-style programming, pairing luxury comforts with scientific engagement.—
Malika Bowling,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Below, Culpo shares her must-pack comforts, her Type A travel tendencies, and why a good piece of luggage is the ultimate indulgence.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
All through the park, competitors and onlookers hit vapes and shout tips and encouragements into trees.—
Calin Van Paris,
Outside,
19 Mar. 2026
-
In October 2024 ahead of her own stay at MSG, Billie Eilish recorded encouragements to take the subways for environmental benefits.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In wrestling, boos are just as effective as cheers.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
-
Those gathered at Inter&Co Stadium erupted into cheers.—
Camila Gomez,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
His pieces include solid wood chairs with a deliberately rudimentary, almost minimal design, integrating ornamental elements such as marquetry panels or tin bas-reliefs into their backs, legs or seats.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The houses below are famously adorned with colorful reliefs that recount the history of each owner’s family.—
Annabelle Dufraigne,
Architectural Digest,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Nothing like the durable consolations of late-life romance, but headier, more exciting and, in the worst cases, far more damaging.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Toward the end of 2022 and into 2023, Perardi and Youngblood spoke constantly, looping through the same horror, the same consolations.—
Matthew Bremner,
Rolling Stone,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspirations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspirations. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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