instill

as in to plant
to set permanently in the consciousness or mind-set a charismatic leader who instilled in his followers a passionate commitment to the cause

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb instill differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of instill are implant, inculcate, infix, and inseminate. While all these words mean "to introduce into the mind," instill stresses gradual, gentle imparting of knowledge over a long period of time.

instill traditional values in your children

When would implant be a good substitute for instill?

While in some cases nearly identical to instill, implant implies teaching that makes for permanence of what is taught.

implanted a love of reading in her students

Where would inculcate be a reasonable alternative to instill?

While the synonyms inculcate and instill are close in meaning, inculcate implies persistent or repeated efforts to impress on the mind.

tried to inculcate in him high moral standards

When could infix be used to replace instill?

Although the words infix and instill have much in common, infix stresses firmly inculcating a habit of thought.

infixed a chronic cynicism

In what contexts can inseminate take the place of instill?

The meanings of inseminate and instill largely overlap; however, inseminate applies to a sowing of ideas in many minds so that they spread through a class or nation.

inseminated an unquestioning faith in technology

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 instill Some parents worry that Alexa's high tolerance for rudeness instills poor behavior in their kids, according to Quartz. Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025 Schuster credits her involvement in the program with instilling in her dedication and resilience, characteristics that have proven essential while navigating complex medical conditions over recent years. Allana Haynes, Baltimore Sun, 22 Apr. 2025 Singh allegedly provided terrorist funds, recruitment, and planning of a grenade attack on an Indian Police Station and on a retired Punjab police officer’s house with the intent to kill and instill fear among law enforcement officers. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025 Though the sisters have indistinguishable hairstyles, Davis instills her characters with completely distinct personalities without being over-the-top about it, in ways only a master can. Barry Levitt, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for instill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instill
Verb
  • From 1875 to 1929 it was delineated by a simple circle outlined in chalk (hence the name), but today the circle is much more esteemed with presentation stands and roses planted in the shape of a horseshoe.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Licensed series Young Sheldon has been planted in the top 10 list for a while after adding a new season.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Tree Hollows Tree hollows can collect rainwater and provide the perfect place for mosquitoes to breed.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The mosquitoes can breed in standing water, so public health officials are asking that county residents allow vector control technicians to provide free inspections and advice, Nolasco said.
    Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This is a unique public-private partnership effort which involves conservation organizations such as the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to inculcate environmental education across the country.
    Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
  • Roth said employees at the charity would have to be expressing and inculcating religious doctrine, such as requiring participation in a prayer before a meal is served at a soup kitchen.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • That rapid transformation is embedded in one business philosophy of Hart’s: flexibility.
    Xandra Harbet, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • As generative AI becomes embedded in critical systems—from patient diagnostics to financial forecasting to air traffic control—the attack surface is expanding faster than most organizations can secure it.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This transition allows women to root their worth internally rather than outsourcing it to external achievements.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Often called French Tarragon, this herb is easy to root from a cutting if a friend will share.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instill. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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