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
What were your inspirations for the show in terms of setting and atmosphere?
—
Annika Pham, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026
After the emotional farewell to the hit series, Stranger Things, the actor now appears to be embarking on a new chapter aesthetically as well—and her latest look is becoming one of the most important hairstyle inspirations for 2026.
—Lina-Marie Baatz, Glamour, 19 Jan. 2026
Outside spoke to Reading to learn more about her artistic inspirations.
—Outside, 18 Jan. 2026
Buzzing melodies of alt-rock drift over midtown and in the places in between—licks, backbeats and inspirations are traded by musicians and producers bar for bar.
—Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026
After Hours is slick, showy, cinematic, explicit about its eighties inspirations—new wave, electropop, R&B—and its pure pop aspirations.
—Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
Many creators on TikTok have dedicated accounts for junk journaling, sharing their tips and inspirations for layouts.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
The exhibition opens with a room centered on Tazewell’s inspirations, bringing together family photos, artwork by his mother and costume sketches from his college years.
—Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
The singer sat down with Hudson for a conversation on the show and opened up about her style, naming her grandmother and her father and her fashion inspirations.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 8 Jan. 2026
Annika Pham, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026
After the emotional farewell to the hit series, Stranger Things, the actor now appears to be embarking on a new chapter aesthetically as well—and her latest look is becoming one of the most important hairstyle inspirations for 2026.
—Lina-Marie Baatz, Glamour, 19 Jan. 2026
Outside spoke to Reading to learn more about her artistic inspirations.
—Outside, 18 Jan. 2026
Buzzing melodies of alt-rock drift over midtown and in the places in between—licks, backbeats and inspirations are traded by musicians and producers bar for bar.
—Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026
After Hours is slick, showy, cinematic, explicit about its eighties inspirations—new wave, electropop, R&B—and its pure pop aspirations.
—Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
Many creators on TikTok have dedicated accounts for junk journaling, sharing their tips and inspirations for layouts.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
The exhibition opens with a room centered on Tazewell’s inspirations, bringing together family photos, artwork by his mother and costume sketches from his college years.
—Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
The singer sat down with Hudson for a conversation on the show and opened up about her style, naming her grandmother and her father and her fashion inspirations.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspirations
Noun
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Trump has repeatedly touted Venezuela’s rich oil supply as among the motivations for the January 2 military assault on the country and the capture of its leader, Nicolás Maduro, who has since been charged with drug trafficking and weapons possession.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
7 Jan. 2026
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Though the videos did not reveal a motive, the federal investigation into Valente’s motivations will continue, the US attorney’s office said.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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However, the two games were in the comforts of Allen Fieldhouse.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
19 Jan. 2026
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Then came the rise of luxury polar-class vessels like the Viking's Polaris and Octantis expedition ships, which can simultaneously navigate thick ice sheets while swaddling its passengers with the comforts and amenities of a five-star resort.—
Jillian Dara,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Jan. 2026
Noun
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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
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Hints, counsels, warnings, remonstrations, even encouragements are, in the end, of limited value.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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His call was met with loud cheers from several of the two dozen lawmakers gathered around him at the podium.—
Jeffrey Schweers,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Community celebrates decision When the vote came, the recommendation to close Bair failed, prompting cheers before the board called for order.—
Anna McAllister,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
From the old mail chute in the lobby to the original grand marble portrait reliefs on the ornate curving staircase, attention to historical preservation adds charm in all the public—and even not-so-public—spaces, like the basement bank safe where the original Coca-Cola recipe once resided.—
Su-Jit Lin,
Southern Living,
27 Dec. 2025
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One of the most unexpected reliefs came in the grocery store aisles.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Over three nights, hundreds of drivers in both Super Late Model and Open Wheel Modified divisions will battle through prelims on Thursday and Friday, including hot laps, heat races, consolations, and qualifiers, to earn a spot in Saturday’s high-stakes finale.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Dec. 2025
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There are no consolations to offer the grieving, really, but a squeeze of the hand, or a text, or a phone call, or a card in the mail can be transformative.—
Sheldon Pearce,
New Yorker,
21 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inspirations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspirations. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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