inspired 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of inspirednext
as in talented

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inspired

2 of 2

verb

past tense of inspire
1
as in encouraged
to fill with courage or strength of purpose the rousing campaign speech inspired everyone to get out the vote

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in elicited
to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved) what inspired that comment?

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3
as in educated
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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inspired
Adjective
An inspired taste straight from the South, this flavor features pineapple, banana, coconut, and carrot ice cream, made complete with cream cheese icing swirls, banana bread, and praline pecan pieces, of course. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 The playful print isn’t too overpowering, yet it’s guaranteed to turn heads (and collect compliments) thanks to its flattering neckline and retro-inspired vibe. — Melony Forcier, InStyle, 25 June 2026
Verb
She was inspired by what was happening in London, but that’s such an old culture there. — Derek C. Blasberg, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026 She was inspired by her own father, who couldn’t read or write. — Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inspired
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspired
  1. talented
  2. encouraged
  3. elicited
  4. educated
  5. gifted
  6. evoked
  7. creative
  8. innovative
Adjective
  • The nearby Park Hill high schools themselves have produced a number of talented players.
    — PJ Green August 27, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026
  • My father was a coal miner and a talented musician who would later perform in several local bluegrass bands.
    — Michael Collins, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of talented
Verb
  • When government applies the rules consistently, businesses have the confidence to invest, innovation is encouraged, public institutions earn greater trust and the public benefits.
    — Robin Rossenfeld, Denver Post, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Anyone with information on the collision is encouraged to contact Officer Giovanni Zaino of the Middletown Police Patrol Division at 860-638-4000, ext 6323.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of encouraged
Verb
  • Anthropic’s announcement elicited panic among some enthusiastic Claude adopters, who expressed concern about what a label on AI use might signal about them.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The same driver mutation, when introduced into different genetic backgrounds, elicited different responses in the circuits that govern whether a cell keeps dividing, specializes, becomes inflamed or dies.
    — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of elicited
Verb
  • Cusk, a Canadian-Brit educated at Oxford, has long been laurelled and condemned for her ruthless chronicles of selfhood.
    — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Angie Nixon’s victory in the Senate primary was powered by voters who normally don’t gravitate to progressives in the state’s lowest-income and less-educated counties.
    — Dan Merica, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of educated
Adjective
  • Espart is a technically gifted midfielder who has been converted to a right-back over the last few years at La Masia but can play both roles well.
    — Pol Ballús, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • In 2025/2026, where Barca retained the La Liga title, Flick promoted another promising graduate of La Masia’s gifted Class of 2007.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of gifted
Verb
  • The two-time Oscar nominee’s death has also evoked a wave of nostalgia for Hannah Montana fans.
    — McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
  • As far as comparable complicated homecomings, Browne evoked Manny Ramirez’s return to Fenway Park in 2010 after being traded from Boston to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of evoked
Adjective
  • Adding to the resort’s already extensive list of experiences—ranging from creative expression, fitness, and integrative wellbeing to outdoor adventure, yoga, and nourishment—are several new offerings.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The illusion of molten steel was basically water and mineral oil mixed with a little powdered sugar; creative lighting and heaters placed below the cameras—plus a few CGI sparks in the background—did the rest.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of creative
Adjective
  • That has created a rare opportunity for indie devs who want to develop truly creative and innovative titles, many of which can and will become cornerstone franchises of the future.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The Class of 2030 also makes history as the first incoming class to experience Dreamscape Learn, an immersive virtual reality learning platform that brings innovative, experiential learning into the classroom.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of innovative

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Cite this Entry

“Inspired.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspired. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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