Synonyms of inspiring

inspiring 1 of 2

adjective

in-ˈspī-riŋ 

as in breathtaking

causing great emotional or mental stimulation

an inspiring idea for a national program in which young people would commit themselves to a year of community service

Synonyms & Similar Words

• breathtaking
• exciting
• interesting
• intriguing
• thrilling
• exhilarating
• fascinating
• electrifying
• galvanizing
• provocative
• gripping
• intoxicating
• electric
• stimulating
• mind-blowing
• rousing
• galvanic
• mind-bending
• lively
• mind-boggling
• stirring
• kicky
• exhilarative
• riveting
• absorbing
• rip-roaring
• heart-stopping
• tantalizing
• engrossing
• enchanting
• hair-raising
• enthralling
• charged
• moving
• touching
• poignant
• arresting
• energetic
• spellbinding
• dynamic
• titillating
• high-voltage
• kinetic
• lusty

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• boring
• tedious
• tiresome
• unexciting
• dull
• monotonous
• uninteresting
• dreary
• mind-numbing
• humdrum

inspiring

2 of 2

verb

present participle of inspire

1

as in encouraging

to fill with courage or strength of purpose

the rousing campaign speech inspired everyone to get out the vote

Synonyms & Similar Words

• encouraging
• inspiriting
• heartening
• emboldening
• reinforcing
• stimulating
• cheering (up)
• invigorating
• bearing up
• enlivening
• provoking
• reassuring
• exciting
• buoying (up)
• steeling
• animating
• energizing
• chirking (up)
• enforcing
• bucking up
• stirring
• strengthening
• galvanizing
• assuring
• rallying
• fortifying
• quickening
• boosting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discouraging
• daunting
• disheartening
• depressing
• undermining
• demoralizing
• intimidating
• dispiriting
• weakening
• debilitating
• saddening
• enfeebling
• hamstringing
• psyching (out)

2

as in eliciting

to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved)

what inspired that comment?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• eliciting
• evoking
• revealing
• raising
• calling forth
• educing
• getting
• pulling
• gaining
• extracting
• obtaining
• dragging
• exposing
• extorting
• discovering
• dredging (up)
• uncovering
• wresting
• securing
• procuring
• coaxing (out)
• disclosing
• wringing
• unveiling
• divulging
• wangling
• evincing
• baring
• unmasking
• uncloaking

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• missing
• ignoring
• forgetting
• passing over
• neglecting
• disregarding
• overlooking
• overpassing

3

as in educating

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

• educating
• enlightening
• enriching
• uplifting
• edifying
• transforming
• nurturing
• illuminating
• illumining
• improving
• ennobling
• illuming
• elevating
• lifting
• bettering
• exalting
• ensouling
• regenerating
• renewing
• transfiguring
• glorifying

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confusing
• puzzling
• perplexing
• darkening
• obscuring
• clouding
• beclouding

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inspiring

Adjective

With their swollen, flaring buttresses and soaring heights of 80 feet or more, the trees are awe-inspiring when reflected in the dark water. — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026

That inspiring sense of place still feels palpable, thanks to a sensitive expansion and renovation. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 July 2026

Verb

Funen is a historic spot known for its 123 castles and estates, and Odense is particularly lovely, with characterful old streets, lush greenery, and inspiring museums that add to its charm. — Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026

For those who can’t afford a Singer—in fairness, not many can—Goodwood helps to foster the stuff of dreams, potentially inspiring a lifetime of passion for automotive pursuits. — Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026