inspiring

adjective

in·​spir·​ing in-ˈspī-riŋ How to pronounce inspiring (audio)
: having an animating or exalting effect

Examples of inspiring in a Sentence

an inspiring idea for a national program in which young people would commit themselves to a year of community service
Recent Examples on the Web For more inspiring ways to grow hydrangeas in containers, from terracotta pots to window boxes, explore this round up of ideas that includes which companion plants to pair with hydrangeas in planters. 10 of 21 Why Didn't My Hydrangeas Bloom? Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2024 The story is inspiring and the performances are stunning, especially Roberts’ Oscar-winning turn. Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2024 Her style, movement quality and turning ability are inspiring and beautiful to watch. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024 Music and musicians are also a huge influence; the music itself, lyrics, or seeing a musician and/or singer perform their art, is incredibly inspiring. Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2024 Life is your art, and that is why your music is so inspiring and important. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 But her reporting here, on the unexpected resilience of Ukraine’s beauty industry, comes together beautifully in an inspiring piece on the courage and resourcefulness of ordinary citizens in a time of war. Longreads, 1 Mar. 2024 Laura Brownson has done a phenomenal job directing a poignant and inspiring documentary, capturing a family's complex and enduring relationship with racing through tragedy, and the connection that the sport continues to offer them. Gillian Telling, Peoplemag, 12 Mar. 2024 Nothing about Tuesday night’s enormously energetic concert was truly spectacular or inspiring, but all of it was appealing. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 9 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inspiring.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1717, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inspiring was in 1717

Dictionary Entries Near inspiring

Cite this Entry

“Inspiring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inspiring. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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