1
as in motivation
something that arouses action or activity
She traveled cross-country seeking inspiration for her next book. He credits his mother as his inspiration for becoming a social worker.
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2
as in creativity
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others
They were a group of young artists filled with inspiration.
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3
as in uplift
a feeling of ease from grief or trouble
The return of summer brought with it a new sense of inspiration.
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of inspiration
For his Oscar-contending documentary The Remarkable Life of Ibelin, filmmaker Benjamin Ree drew inspiration from literary sources as much or more than cinematic ones.
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Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024
Founder and visionary Gabrielle Chanel collaborated with the leading filmmakers of her time, drawing inspiration from and supporting her fellow artistic peers.
—Rachel Marlowe, Vogue, 11 Dec. 2024
The contrasts underpinning history and society in Asia are an ongoing source of inspiration for designer Kay Kwok.
—Gemma A. Williams, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
The watch’s dial draws direct inspiration from Johnson’s tribal-inspired tattoo, which pays homage to his Samoan roots and also serves as a link to his Moana 2 character, Maui.
—Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inspiration 
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024
Founder and visionary Gabrielle Chanel collaborated with the leading filmmakers of her time, drawing inspiration from and supporting her fellow artistic peers.
—Rachel Marlowe, Vogue, 11 Dec. 2024
The contrasts underpinning history and society in Asia are an ongoing source of inspiration for designer Kay Kwok.
—Gemma A. Williams, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
The watch’s dial draws direct inspiration from Johnson’s tribal-inspired tattoo, which pays homage to his Samoan roots and also serves as a link to his Moana 2 character, Maui.
—Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inspiration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspiration
Noun
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In thriving learning cultures—those rich in motivation, curiosity, and collaboration—AI has the potential to enhance learning.Martin Gutmann, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
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After seeing the excellent response from customers and her husband’s motivation, Mercado decided to start a food business.Paula Soria, The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
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This results in all-too-fleeting dinners capturing a sense of combined creativity.Emily Wilson, Bon Appétit, 16 Dec. 2024
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Anderson has also added to the creativity and brilliance of Gibbs-White, with similar, invaluable attributes.Paul Taylor, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Shopping for Christmas, Hanukah and New Year’s Day meals gave stores a $5.3 billion sales uplift compared with an average week, Circana said.Anne D'Innocenzio, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2024
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China’s Mid-Autumn Festival brought a slew of new film releases, but little discernible uplift to the box office.Patrick Frater, Variety, 16 Sep. 2024
Noun
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Muir offered the Lang brothers words of encouragement.Eric Noll, ABC News, 11 Dec. 2024
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Children may need extra encouragement while playing with other children, or even alone at home.Taylor Grothe, Parents, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Toys spark imagination, nurture learning, and build self-esteem.Noel Burgess, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
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There is a ‘hyper-realism’ to these foods, explained Wright, which is intended to trigger the prospective customer’s memory, imagination — and hopefully catch their eye.Rosa Rahimi, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
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In terms of industry trends, casual wear has continued to dominate the men’s fashion market, with many consumers shifting away from formal attire in favor of pieces that offer versatility and comfort.Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
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Hot teas are a standard part of life for many Blue Zone centenarians, offering comfort and health benefits.Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, Health, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
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What was the impetus for the flag on the Stankonia cover?Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2024
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The true impetus for their overhaul, however, was climate-related.Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Tall windows, a columned portico, and sculpted reliefs depicting university patriarchs.Daisy Hildyard, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024
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Breath work, exercise and journaling are some of the many practices someone can implement or consistent relief, according to the CDC.Amanda Musa, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near inspiration
Cite this Entry
“Inspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspiration. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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