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
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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
Attendees will gain practical insight into the animation production process and leave inspired to chart their own path in the entertainment industry.
—
Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
Song plays her chief of staff and best friend, Ali Lee, inspired by Buss’ advisor, Linda Rambis.
—Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
Balat and Kayumi later told police they were inspired by the Islamic State group, according to a federal complaint.
—Erica Byfield, NBC news, 16 Apr. 2026
Their deaths inspired her to live her life to the fullest.
—Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
Song plays her chief of staff and best friend, Ali Lee, inspired by Buss’ advisor, Linda Rambis.
—Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
Balat and Kayumi later told police they were inspired by the Islamic State group, according to a federal complaint.
—Erica Byfield, NBC news, 16 Apr. 2026
Their deaths inspired her to live her life to the fullest.
—Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspire
Verb
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Fans are encouraged to line up on South University Drive outside the President's House, west to the Student Union, and south down State Street to Yost Ice Arena.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
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The Live Local Act, a state law passed in 2023 to encourage developers to build more affordable housing, is the key driving the redesign of the faded mall that gained new owners in September 2025.—
Howard Cohen,
Miami Herald,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The shouty missive elicited no major pushback from foreign leaders.—
Serge Schmemann,
Mercury News,
14 Apr. 2026
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Domingo, as Glover, repeatedly attempted to elicit something profound by quoting legendary NASA astronauts.—
Michael Tedder,
The Atlantic,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The enforcement effort also included educating business owners on how to spot a skimmer.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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Hengemuhle said that, as human beings, there is a responsibility to do everything possible to combat hate, which requires understanding and educating one another, as well as drawing on different policing and professional backgrounds.—
Amelie Botbol,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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On day ninety-seven, Mamdani walked home to Gracie Mansion from City Hall, evoking his walk down the length of Manhattan just before the primary.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2026
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But Genthner evoked memories of DeCook by scoring a highlight-reel goal on Wednesday.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspire. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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