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
And then that usually inspires another melody and other parts of the song.
—
Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
What, these days, inspires you to hit the gym or work hard or pursue success in other ways?
—Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025
His win shows a collective institutional political fatigue, and inspires hope, in a particularly dark time, that there is new light and new solutions to be found in American politics beyond the binary confines of institutional Democrats.
—Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
The best thing about college football is the sense of community the sport inspires.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
After all, this Fire sign inspires the desire to take risks and indulge one’s lust for life.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Shining a light on fellow founders not only lifts them up but also inspires the next generation of women entrepreneurs.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
This reflection is what inspires the characters’ personal reflections, their detailing of the mythopoetic wonder of their proximity to the land, their intense solidarity with one another, and their fervent attachment to their individual and collective past.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2025
The award celebraties cinematic figures whose artistry and advocacy transcends borders and inspires global audiences.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2025
What, these days, inspires you to hit the gym or work hard or pursue success in other ways?
—Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025
His win shows a collective institutional political fatigue, and inspires hope, in a particularly dark time, that there is new light and new solutions to be found in American politics beyond the binary confines of institutional Democrats.
—Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
The best thing about college football is the sense of community the sport inspires.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
After all, this Fire sign inspires the desire to take risks and indulge one’s lust for life.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Shining a light on fellow founders not only lifts them up but also inspires the next generation of women entrepreneurs.
—Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
This reflection is what inspires the characters’ personal reflections, their detailing of the mythopoetic wonder of their proximity to the land, their intense solidarity with one another, and their fervent attachment to their individual and collective past.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2025
The award celebraties cinematic figures whose artistry and advocacy transcends borders and inspires global audiences.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspires
Verb
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Instead of scrolling through Instagram—or, admittedly, hitting the snooze button a few too many times—Vig encourages you to spend that time sprucing up your space.—
Kelsey Mulvey,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
-
In children and adolescents, physical activity promotes bone health; encourages healthy growth and the development of muscle; and improves motor and cognitive development.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The encounter that elicits sheer agency in Hamida is her final one, with Lajo, Ram Chand’s sister.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
30 Oct. 2025
-
But the piece de resistance is a small button on the face of the guitar that, when pressed, activates a chip on a soundboard that elicits the distinctive roar of Godzilla.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Andrea Thompson,
Scientific American,
28 Oct. 2025
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Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Painted Turtle, which provides a summer camp experience for kids with serious medical issues, and the Bridge School, which educates children with severe speech and physical disabilities.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Guests may choose a water treatment in a pool that evokes the area’s limestone cenotes (underground wells) or try a purification by a local healer in a temazcal (a traditional heated lodge), among many other journeys for mind and body well-being.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
5 Nov. 2025
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The aesthetic is defined by deep red and forest green tartans, warm lighting, elevated accents, and sophisticated dinnerware that evokes classic holiday charm with a polished Americana flair.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inspires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspires. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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