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
In 2024's The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, the actor played Gus March-Phillips, who is widely known as one of the real-life inspirations for Bond.
—
Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Over the years, Caro, 89, has also mentioned taking more specific inspirations from fiction.
—Chris Heath, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
After his day's performance, Wallace revealed that one of his inspirations for continuing a solid performance at the event is the memory of what Jordan Spieth did there in 2021.
—John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
Behind each jewel is a story, and his inspirations range from Egyptology and Indian mythology, to the desert.
—Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Now, the show is honoring its inspirations by recognizing legendary star Liza Minnelli as a cultural icon who paved the way for entertainers like RuPaul.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 1 Apr. 2025
The retailer defines a unique bride as having looked at 10 or more pages of bridal gowns, having consumed five types of bridal content — whether that be inspirations pages, love stories or other content — and having looked at two or more bridal brands on the site.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025
The game shines brightest in its side stories, optional quests which provide unique gameplay and additional insight into Zoe and Mio’s inspirations.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025
Its inspirations are rooted in Me Too and its focus falls squarely on one difficult, flawed character’s rarefied existence, but its depiction of a life coming unmoored is haunting in ways that stretch beyond its origins.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Over the years, Caro, 89, has also mentioned taking more specific inspirations from fiction.
—Chris Heath, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025
After his day's performance, Wallace revealed that one of his inspirations for continuing a solid performance at the event is the memory of what Jordan Spieth did there in 2021.
—John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
Behind each jewel is a story, and his inspirations range from Egyptology and Indian mythology, to the desert.
—Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Now, the show is honoring its inspirations by recognizing legendary star Liza Minnelli as a cultural icon who paved the way for entertainers like RuPaul.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 1 Apr. 2025
The retailer defines a unique bride as having looked at 10 or more pages of bridal gowns, having consumed five types of bridal content — whether that be inspirations pages, love stories or other content — and having looked at two or more bridal brands on the site.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025
The game shines brightest in its side stories, optional quests which provide unique gameplay and additional insight into Zoe and Mio’s inspirations.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025
Its inspirations are rooted in Me Too and its focus falls squarely on one difficult, flawed character’s rarefied existence, but its depiction of a life coming unmoored is haunting in ways that stretch beyond its origins.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspirations
motivations
Noun
-
The motivations driving Theroux’s slippery character are harder to read, which feels right, as well.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Frozen, isolated, because of someone else’s dark motivations.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inspirations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspirations. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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