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
But what inspires me is the idea of putting something beautiful into the world.
—
James Manso, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2026
So my hope is that at least a single candidate ups their game and comes to voters with not just attacks, but something that inspires, something that sets them apart.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 27 Apr. 2026
This music’s power comes not only from its tempo and volume, but from the angst that inspires it, which System conveyed so well.
—Lina Lecaro, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2026
Paul Revere’s ride inspires us to rally behind a cause like helping war victims and to spread the word to ignite action.
—William Lambers, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
The scale of ambition alongside the lightness of touch inspires me, and the return of ‘White Rabbit Red Rabbit’ opens a door to something much bigger.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
The viral food fights their product inspires?
—Holly Meyer, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
Great cast members display an infectious enthusiasm that inspires visitors to want to get into their load row and onto that boat and sit down as swiftly as possible.
—Robert Niles, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
James Manso, Footwear News, 28 Apr. 2026
So my hope is that at least a single candidate ups their game and comes to voters with not just attacks, but something that inspires, something that sets them apart.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
—Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 27 Apr. 2026
This music’s power comes not only from its tempo and volume, but from the angst that inspires it, which System conveyed so well.
—Lina Lecaro, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2026
Paul Revere’s ride inspires us to rally behind a cause like helping war victims and to spread the word to ignite action.
—William Lambers, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
The scale of ambition alongside the lightness of touch inspires me, and the return of ‘White Rabbit Red Rabbit’ opens a door to something much bigger.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
The viral food fights their product inspires?
—Holly Meyer, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
Great cast members display an infectious enthusiasm that inspires visitors to want to get into their load row and onto that boat and sit down as swiftly as possible.
—Robert Niles, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspires
Verb
-
The council also encourages Gary leadership to participate in any IURC proceedings and asks for the Indiana General Assembly to biannually review utility delivery charge actions and pursue reforms.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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Channeling Abbie Hoffman, Tolentino encourages people to steal from her own employer, The New Yorker, but does not explain which high crimes David Remnick has committed to earn this comeuppance.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But, as pointed out on Epicurious, the go-to website for foodies, the word elicits substantial reader backlash even when employed to describe chicken and cakes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Having Martinez back at Citi Field this week elicits memories of that season, manager Carlos Mendoza said.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
24 Apr. 2026
-
In 2019, the New York City Department of Education, which educates 900,000 children across some 1,600 schools, held a mandatory anti-bias training for all administrators.—
Steven F. Wilson,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The film evokes Prada without being about the storied fashion house that has become synonymous with Milan.—
Colleen Barry,
Fortune,
23 Apr. 2026
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The film evokes Prada without being about the storied fashion house that has become synonymous with Milan.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspires. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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