1
as in to encourage
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
the rousing campaign speech inspired everyone to get out the vote
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to elicit
to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved)
what inspired that comment?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to educate
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
great works of visual art can inspire us in ways that the written word often cannot
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inspire
The influence informed supple leather parkas, wrap-effect dresses and sculptural bustier silhouettes, inspired by ballet slippers and pointe shoes.
—
Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
Those smaller, more nimble operations in Berlin and Asia, along with Arne Glimcher’s project space 125 Newbury, that helped inspired the decision to slow down the gallery’s commercial velocity.
—Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 4 June 2026
When the album was announced, Grohl said she was inspired by alternative music from the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, including Pixies, Soundgarden, Cocteau Twins, and the Breeders.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026
Among the most controversial aspects of the foundation’s plans — and part of what inspired a lawsuit — were taking down old-growth trees on the site in Jackson Park.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
Those smaller, more nimble operations in Berlin and Asia, along with Arne Glimcher’s project space 125 Newbury, that helped inspired the decision to slow down the gallery’s commercial velocity.
—Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 4 June 2026
When the album was announced, Grohl said she was inspired by alternative music from the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, including Pixies, Soundgarden, Cocteau Twins, and the Breeders.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026
Among the most controversial aspects of the foundation’s plans — and part of what inspired a lawsuit — were taking down old-growth trees on the site in Jackson Park.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspire
Verb
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Speaking between ballots, Tafoya repeatedly reminded delegates about the importance of winning the general election, while Schwarze encouraged them not to compromise their principles.—
Jay Gabler,
Twin Cities,
30 May 2026
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Kramer said the attendance cap was intentional and designed to encourage visitors to attend events throughout the region.—
Ben Wheeler
May 29,
Kansas City Star,
29 May 2026
Verb
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Even the packaging—which was created with sustainability in mind and largely made from postconsumer recycled plastic and is mostly refillable—is designed to elicit happiness.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
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Research supports the idea that customized gifts are more effective at eliciting a positive response.—
Attia Qureshi,
Time,
1 June 2026
Verb
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Open-minded, passionate, forthright and brave, Eva is well-educated, well-read, adventurous, generous of spirit, a world-traveler.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
2 June 2026
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His enforcers were trained in torture techniques by the CIA and educated in the theories expounded by the political scientist Samuel Huntington.—
Wyatt Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
2 June 2026
Verb
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Over the past few years, the job market for new graduates has grown steadily worse, a hiring drought that evokes memories of the Great Recession.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
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The mother evoked the experience of an earlier victim of O’Connor’s crimes, in that her daughter was also subjected to O’Connor’s harassment and attempts to secretly keep communicating with the girl even after the mother expressly asked her to stop.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspire. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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