INCULCATE Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

inculcate

verb

in-ˈkəl-ˌkāt

Definition of inculcate next

as in to suffuse

to cause (as a person) to become filled or saturated with a certain quality or principle dedicated teachers inculcating young minds with a love of learning

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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