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
• enroot
• infuse
• infix
• imbue
• invest
• inoculate
• hammer
• pound
• suffuse
• ingrain
• 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

Ward arrived with coordinator Wink Martindale in 2022 and helped instill a lunch pail quality into the front of an aggressive Giants defense, which galvanized the team to its lone postseason berth since 2016 and its only playoff win since 2011. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026

Never one to shrink from a challenge Not shrinking from a challenge was a virtue instilled in Keane by some of her earliest mentors. —Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2026

Yet Auburn still plays with the ferocity and pace Bruce Pearl instilled in his teams during his 31 seasons as a head coach. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026

Sullivan highlighted bringing in players to establish the culture the new duo wants to instill through the draft and then retaining that talent long-term. —David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026