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

Examples of instill in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Russian state is increasingly trying to instill values of patriotism and loyalty among children through educational initiatives and the creation of new youth organizations. —Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2024

Cole instilled confidence in Skai Cole has taught Skai to embrace and love her natural self from a young age. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 28 Sep. 2024

There’s often audio associated with this type of scam to instill a sense of urgency for consumers to call the number listed in the pop-up. —Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2024

The overtaking — and the loss of his family and home along the way — instilled rage in the gladiator. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2024