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
Galore, released in September 2020, is a heartbreak record that looks to inspirations like Caroline Polachek and Rosalía.
—
Anna Gaca, Pitchfork, 1 Oct. 2025
Afro-Atlantic inspirations get a Gallic accent, with a menu retaining the tenets of Paris bistro and café fare, revisited with touches of the American South’s culinary hallmarks such as okra, pecans and corn.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025
There is as little self or sentiment in her juvenilia as in her adult writing; her focus from the start was on sound and form, and her inspirations came not from her own sensibility but from other poems.
—Frances Wilson
september 23, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025
How did those inspirations shape the sound of this project?
—Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2025
This confluence of literature, politics, theatre, and music, condensed within a single year the mighty span of the Harlem Renaissance, its inspirations, and its influences.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, the hair, nails, and the glam gave us major inspirations, too.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 19 Sep. 2025
The answer isn't straightforward, so allow Entertainment Weekly to explain the limited series' inspirations.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 2025
Shai Paul/Big Picture Media Inspiration and Evolution From music to fashion, DE'WAYNE wears his inspirations on his sleeve.
—Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Anna Gaca, Pitchfork, 1 Oct. 2025
Afro-Atlantic inspirations get a Gallic accent, with a menu retaining the tenets of Paris bistro and café fare, revisited with touches of the American South’s culinary hallmarks such as okra, pecans and corn.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025
There is as little self or sentiment in her juvenilia as in her adult writing; her focus from the start was on sound and form, and her inspirations came not from her own sensibility but from other poems.
—Frances Wilson
september 23, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025
How did those inspirations shape the sound of this project?
—Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2025
This confluence of literature, politics, theatre, and music, condensed within a single year the mighty span of the Harlem Renaissance, its inspirations, and its influences.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, the hair, nails, and the glam gave us major inspirations, too.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 19 Sep. 2025
The answer isn't straightforward, so allow Entertainment Weekly to explain the limited series' inspirations.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 2025
Shai Paul/Big Picture Media Inspiration and Evolution From music to fashion, DE'WAYNE wears his inspirations on his sleeve.
—Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspirations
Noun
-
But because so much less is known about what made Gein tick than the motivations of Dahmer and the Menendezes, Hunnam had room to maneuver and to invent.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
30 Sep. 2025
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The actor discussed his character's motivations in a 2024 interview with TV Insider.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Original oak panelling, bespoke cabinetry, and subtle marquetry nod to Russell’s meticulous eye, while recent updates bring all the comforts of modern living without losing any of the house’s historic charm.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
1 Oct. 2025
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The commenter argues that K’s desire to host in her own space, with all the comforts of home, is not unreasonable.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Ward and Curlee also started the app Counterbalance, which provides daily encouragements, recipes, community and more.—
Emy LaCroix,
People.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Hundreds of thousands erupted in cheers and tears.—
Nick Spicer,
NPR,
1 Oct. 2025
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An air cast was placed over his leg before Hill – cheering and clapping, while acknowledging the cheers of fans – was taken off the field on a cart.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Anchored by Studio Gypsandconcrete and IDAAF Architects constructivist candleholder designs, the tapered wax flambeaus twist and turn with plantlike reliefs winding up to the top.—
Adrian Madlener,
Curbed,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Existing savings reliefs and incentives tilt heavily in favor of the better off, and are inordinately complicated to boot.—
Clive Crook,
Twin Cities,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Droll and deadpan, Starnone’s novel offers an accounting of the tolls and the consolations of lifelong artistic pursuit.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Yet even in an awkward or hurtful breakup conversation, the person being broken up with is still offered the dignity of being told to their face that the relationship is ending; ghostees aren’t even allowed these small consolations.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inspirations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspirations. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.
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