Synonyms of instill

instill

verb

in-ˈstil 

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

• plant
• breed
• inculcate
• embed
• root
• implant
• inseminate
• sow
• lodge
• entrench
• drive
• imbed
• infuse
• enroot
• invest
• imbue
• infix
• inoculate
• intrench
• ingrain
• engrain
• hammer
• pound
• suffuse
• steep
• fix

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

Recent Examples of instill

His charmed upbringing instilled the stage presence that aided an amateur rapping career, plus opportunities like working on music in his mother’s film Queen of Katwe and getting celebrities Madhur Jaffrey and Lupita Nyong’o to appear in his music videos. —Mark Chiusano, Time, 14 Aug. 2025

Glenn is committed to instilling a physical identity in the Jets. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 8 Aug. 2025

Far to the north, in the Montes de Maria region where Nawar Jimenez grew up, the terror instilled by armed groups is also deep-rooted. —Ladan Anoushfar, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025

But Humphries has received the majority of the work and has instilled a confidence in the coaching staff. —Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 31 July 2025