1
as in encourages
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 elicits
to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved)
what inspired that comment?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in educates
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 inspires
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
—
Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 19 May 2026
The Taurus new moon inspires thinking about cycles of life, death, and rebirth.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 16 May 2026
This is also the kind of transit that inspires spontaneous wellness kicks, organization sprees or maybe even a standing desk purchase.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Then find out what inspires your team and use that to create more creativity, confidence, and competence.
—Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
What seemed like something to dread now actually inspires hope.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2026
Strout indicates that their potential will be fulfilled in short, jump-ahead passages — one of the passages reveals that Artie inspires an awkward girl named Rhonda to help other people by becoming a minister.
—Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026
Colleagues describe Perakis-Valat as equal parts competitive and personable, an exacting leader who uses humor to defuse tense situations, someone who inspires his teams with intelligence and warmth.
—Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
The legacy of this organization inspires me every single day.
—Steve Megargee, Baltimore Sun, 8 May 2026
Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 19 May 2026
The Taurus new moon inspires thinking about cycles of life, death, and rebirth.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 16 May 2026
This is also the kind of transit that inspires spontaneous wellness kicks, organization sprees or maybe even a standing desk purchase.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Then find out what inspires your team and use that to create more creativity, confidence, and competence.
—Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
What seemed like something to dread now actually inspires hope.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2026
Strout indicates that their potential will be fulfilled in short, jump-ahead passages — one of the passages reveals that Artie inspires an awkward girl named Rhonda to help other people by becoming a minister.
—Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026
Colleagues describe Perakis-Valat as equal parts competitive and personable, an exacting leader who uses humor to defuse tense situations, someone who inspires his teams with intelligence and warmth.
—Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
The legacy of this organization inspires me every single day.
—Steve Megargee, Baltimore Sun, 8 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspires
Verb
-
The sleek black straps instantly make the Birkenstock Arizona Softbed Birk-flo Sandals feel a little more sleek, while the roomy design encourages a more natural stride during long sightseeing days.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
22 May 2026
-
The final order encourages the Treasury to consider providing retrospective 280E relief for prior tax years in which companies operated under state medical licenses.—
Javier Hasse,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
The word fiancé elicits at least three questions, usually with five follow-up questions.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
-
But for another group of Black women, the same question elicits feelings of insecurity and defensiveness.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Andrea Gawrylewski,
Scientific American,
22 May 2026
-
Prince George currently attends Lambrook School in Berkshire alongside his siblings, but the prep school only educates students through Year 8.—
Paloma Chavez,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
The soft material complements a base that also evokes folds and ribbon-like loops in clay.—
Anthony Paletta,
Curbed,
17 May 2026
-
Thoughtful hotel design evokes a feeling, helping guests feel relaxed, inspired, and at home.—
Bridget Mills-Powell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspires. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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