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as in to plant
to set permanently in the consciousness or mind-set a malcontent who inculcated in his offspring an abiding distrust of all civil authority

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inculcate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inculcate are implant, infix, inseminate, and instill. While all these words mean "to introduce into the mind," inculcate implies persistent or repeated efforts to impress on the mind.

tried to inculcate in him high moral standards

Where would implant be a reasonable alternative to inculcate?

While the synonyms implant and inculcate are close in meaning, implant implies teaching that makes for permanence of what is taught.

implanted a love of reading in her students

In what contexts can infix take the place of inculcate?

In some situations, the words infix and inculcate are roughly equivalent. However, infix stresses firmly inculcating a habit of thought.

infixed a chronic cynicism

When is it sensible to use inseminate instead of inculcate?

The meanings of inseminate and inculcate 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

When might instill be a better fit than inculcate?

The words instill and inculcate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, instill stresses gradual, gentle imparting of knowledge over a long period of time.

instill traditional values in your children

Examples 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 inculcate Her winding life path inculcated her with adaptability and open-mindedness, but constantly changing environments resulted in a questionable sense of self-identity. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 26 Nov. 2024 The Palestinians are creating the terrorists by inculcating their children with hatred and demonizing Jews. Evan Nierman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2024 Witness, by Whittaker Chambers This 1952 memoir is still thrust in the hands of budding young conservatives, as a means of inculcating them into the movement. Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2024 Sensing such threats, organizations are increasingly creating dedicated structures and processes to inculcate AI ethics proactively. Swanand Deodhar, favour Borokini, ben Waber, Harvard Business Review, 5 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inculcate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inculcate
Verb
  • Someone is behind the camera, a person whose presence quietly suffuses the poem.
    A.O. Scott, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Whatever the noble title, Cronenberg wore the moniker with the same winking irony that suffuses so much of his work – using genre as a kind of Trojan horse to get his unique vision to travel.
    Ben Croll, Variety, 1 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Its Ne Cede Malis Block was studied by University of California, Davis in the 1980s after the winery discovered field blend Petite Sirah vines and other Rhone varieties that were planted there in the 1930s.
    Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Indiana is home to a new initiative aimed at keeping the next generation of Hoosier entrepreneurs planted here in the state.
    Justin L. Mack, Axios, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Schrader imbues the film with entertaining hothouse sleaze, infecting just about every inch of the frame with an eerie, sensual energy.
    Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Violet’s relationship with her dragons imbues her with far more literal power, including lightning, than does her relationship with any love interest.
    Rebecca Scofield / Made by History, TIME, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Another provision seeks to minimize harvest of breeding pairs in Wisconsin.
    Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Certain dogs, particularly those bred for hunting or herding, are more likely to chase.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This recipe, which calls for an Instant Pot, infuses creamy pinto beans with the mild, smoky notes of bacon. Herbs and spices like chili powder, cumin, and even fresh cilantro impart a decadent richness to the broth.
    Yvette Zuniga Jemison, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Formulated with 10 percent vitamin C, the serum is also infused with La Roche-Posay’s thermal spring water, an antioxidant-rich salve that hydrates and soothes the skin.
    Jenny Berg, Allure, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • And he’s had the ability to instill that passion about all aspects of theater, from design to performance.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The prospect of grabbing No. 20 has instilled extra motivation in the Team Penske squad that operates Porsche’s 963 LMDh cars in the I.M.S.A.
    Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • First responders attach meaning to their service in times of disaster, and their identities are embedded in this belief in ways that may impact their mortality.
    Roberto Rivera, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
  • And he’s still embedded in the wrestling world, currently coaching at Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona.
    Jake Kring-Schreifels, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Blooming consumes a lot of the plant’s energy and cuttings taken from flowering plants are generally harder to root.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2025
  • And so there's a concern about rooting our community of those individuals and thus far in California, local government agencies are not allowed to assist in that effort.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inculcate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inculcate. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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