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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inspire
An act of generosity by an Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra patron has inspired a family to pay it forward.
—
Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Controversies like those surrounding Gilgan’s column inspired several AI researchers to go back and see how much AI material has crept into American newspapers.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 26 Mar. 2026
Who in the beauty space inspires you?
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
Levy said the new research was inspired in part by long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad, who finally succeeded in making a 53-hour, 110-mile world-record swim from Cuba to Florida at the age of 64.
—Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Controversies like those surrounding Gilgan’s column inspired several AI researchers to go back and see how much AI material has crept into American newspapers.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 26 Mar. 2026
Who in the beauty space inspires you?
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
Levy said the new research was inspired in part by long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad, who finally succeeded in making a 53-hour, 110-mile world-record swim from Cuba to Florida at the age of 64.
—Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspire
Verb
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Saturn in your companionable 7th house is encouraging Pluto in your playful 5th house, so the energy of these cosmic powerhouses should be a little less hard to handle and a lot more fun!—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Mar. 2026
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Those who noticed the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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At the end of his cross-examination, Shohat asked Rubio to sign his copy of the former senator’s book, which elicited laughter in the packed courtroom.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2026
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Rather, Olen cracked dad jokes that elicited eye rolls from the kids.—
David Gleisner,
Outside,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Developers — as well as Fort Worth District 3 council member Michael Crain — had organized the meeting after residents formed the 2871 Community Coalition to educate each other and build an organizing strategy as the development picks up steam.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Mar. 2026
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In order to troubleshoot the problem, crews are also educated on different planes and their components, including how many engines the aircraft may have or how many exit doors there are.—
Nicole Comstock,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
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As Adam reenters the dating world, his sister encourages him to view it as a fresh start, and scenic designer Milo Bue visually evokes the idea of a blank slate by employing off-whites and greys for Adam’s studio apartment in New York City.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspire. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
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