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

In his first year as Jets coach, Glenn aims to instill a physical style, beginning in training camp. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 26 July 2025

The camps work to prevent summer learning loss and build confidence and creativity in kids, while also celebrating Black culture and instilling a sense of pride in campers. Reagan Fresnel and Brian Wright, who started Camp HBCYouth in 2022, drove up from Atlanta to visit the TSU site on July 17. —Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 24 July 2025

Impact Camp’s Impact Impact Camp prides itself on instilling the ‘4E’s within its youth: employment, enrichment, enlistment, and entrepreneurship with a sporting twist, according to its website. —Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2025

Michelle Obama was laser-focused on instilling the value of hard work and accountability in her daughters. —Celeste Little, Parents, 22 July 2025