Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inspirit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inspirit are embolden, encourage, and hearten. While all these words mean "to fill with courage or strength of purpose," inspirit, somewhat literary, implies instilling life, energy, courage, or vigor into something.

patriots inspirited the people to resist

When is embolden a more appropriate choice than inspirit?

Although the words embolden and inspirit have much in common, embolden implies the giving of courage sufficient to overcome timidity or reluctance.

emboldened by her first success, she tried an even more difficult climb

When would encourage be a good substitute for inspirit?

In some situations, the words encourage and inspirit are roughly equivalent. However, encourage suggests the raising of one's confidence especially by an external agency.

the teacher's praise encouraged the students to greater efforts

When might hearten be a better fit than inspirit?

The synonyms hearten and inspirit are sometimes interchangeable, but hearten implies the lifting of dispiritedness or despondency by an infusion of fresh courage or zeal.

a hospital patient heartened by good news

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 inspirit Howard Brandston, a prominent lighting designer who illuminated landmarks in New York and around the world, and who used light to inspirit people depressed by waning winter daylight, to prevent infections, and even to keep penguins in a zoo from looking seedy, died on Feb. 24 in Lenox, Mass. Sam Roberts, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2023 He is blinded by comforting, inspiriting harmonies, a forceful but unseeing disturbance of the peace. Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2019 The women's program is the entire backbone and inspiriting force of soccer in America - and has been ever since 1996. Sally Jenkins, courant.com, 12 June 2019 The women’s program is the entire backbone and inspiriting force of soccer in America - and has been ever since 1996. Sally Jenkins, Houston Chronicle, 12 June 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspirit
Verb
  • May the light of Easter inspire efforts to promote harmony in the western Balkans and sustain political leaders in their efforts to allay tensions and crises, and, together with their partner countries in the region, to reject dangerous and destabilizing actions.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Scroll on and get inspired by these 18 beauties — and then come back tomorrow, Tuesday, April 22, to see who graces the cover of the 2025 World's Most Beautiful issue.
    Brittany Talarico, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • To achieve those, leaders should consider creating cultures that encourage workers to take breaks, set boundaries, and focus their energies on outcomes.
    Adia Harvey Wingfield, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • In a key way, the American health system encourages it.
    Rebecca T Brown, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inspirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspirit. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!