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 Avigail Lev, the founder and director at Bay Area CBT Center, notes some of the ways these lessons get instilled through parenting. Alex Shoemaker, Parents, 26 Sep. 2025 My job at that moment was to instill a powerful message and inspire kids and their families to live lives of acceptance. Nina West september 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025 Growing up, his mother sang background for the legendary Miriam Makeba, instilling in him a deep connection to the continent. Essence, 23 Sep. 2025 Estancia enters its nonleague game at Artesia (2-3) on Friday bonded by the qualities that Bargas has instilled since his arrival from Newport Harbor in 2007. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for instill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instill
Verb
  • Ramírez planted the flag in the infield grass before Slider grabbed it, engaged with a sea of fans who didn’t want to abandon the utopian setting at the ballpark, and then handed it to David Fry.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Divide plants every three to six years, separating the roots into segments that contain three or more shoots.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Continuity, and a drive to achieve what had slipped away in last year’s finals loss to the New York Liberty, bred a historic season — a Lynx franchise-record 34 wins and a team that led the league in offensive and defensive ratings.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Hotter ocean temperatures breed bigger, more intense storms, which in turn can cause more severe flooding, infrastructure damage and loss of life.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Notably, said Kriner, individuals who are inculcated with a sense of nihilism do not commit crimes to achieve an ideological goal.
    Odette Yousef, NPR, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Another important way is to inculcate mindfulness by observing anger as a passing emotion rather than being all consumed by it.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • The next story is actually embedded in Pictures of Ghosts.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
  • She is respected throughout the league and deeply embedded in the players’ CBA negotiations.
    John Shipley, Twin Cities, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Every Democrat voted against rooting that out.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2025
  • However, fall planting is not recommended for certain types of tender perennials that are easily damaged by cold and require a long period of frost-free weather to root.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instill. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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