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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inspiration
Barbie Dream Fest was created as an intimate fan convention designed to foster meaningful connection, inspiration, and closer access to Barbie and her world.
—
Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026
Join Yvonne Escalante and Lauren O’Connor-Korb who drew inspiration from the toys and cartoons from their childhood and how they are engrained in social constructs.
—Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
Physicists studying dark matter — an invisible substance comprising 85% of the universe — turn to religious and spiritual traditions for inspiration and guidance.
—Deepa Bharath, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Man therefore is relieved of responsibility, his inspiration dies, his pride is hurt, and his ambition lessened or killed.
—Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026
Join Yvonne Escalante and Lauren O’Connor-Korb who drew inspiration from the toys and cartoons from their childhood and how they are engrained in social constructs.
—Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
Physicists studying dark matter — an invisible substance comprising 85% of the universe — turn to religious and spiritual traditions for inspiration and guidance.
—Deepa Bharath, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Man therefore is relieved of responsibility, his inspiration dies, his pride is hurt, and his ambition lessened or killed.
—Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspiration
Noun
-
The reason for that association could simply be that the people eating these low-variety diets have more self-discipline or motivation to lose weight, per the researchers.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Baker argued that the DA’s office and Rosen’s campaign are legally separate, denied any political motivation in the prosecution, and noted that campaign donation records are public — adding that the office had already turned over emails between a senior prosecutor and the campaign manager.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Your creativity is also doing something quietly remarkable.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
November 22 – December 21 A single spark of inspiration can unleash a wildfire of creativity.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The East London space generated seven-figure revenues in 2025 alone, helping drive what has become Peachy Den’s strongest year to date, with a 35% year-on-year uplift.—
Amy Francombe,
Vogue,
1 Apr. 2026
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Crucially, Nvidia's current valuation is before any uplift to earnings associated with the Marvell partnership are in the picture.—
,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Paddack noted how Sandy Alcantara came to him in the dugout and gave him words of encouragement.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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The Giants never led in the series, so Vitello didn’t get to deploy his bullpen in a late-game situation with a lead to protect, but the early returns from the relievers are reason for encouragement.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But this is not extreme demands by any stretch of the imagination.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The world of dance has leapt long in fashion’s collective imagination—but the reign of the ballet flat may, finally, be twirling off.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Take these steps to protect comfort and keep progressing forward.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
27 Mar. 2026
-
That plan ultimately goes awry, with Margot surviving the attack, smartly staged in a way that doesn’t completely ratchet up the violent tension, keeping the audience in an appropriate level of comfort while not compromising the narrative.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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And taking small steps to connect with others — even as simple as engaging in idle chitchat with a stranger — can be an impetus for broader change.—
Keith Wagstaff,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Didn’t even know what the impetus was for the saying.—
Evan Grant,
Dallas Morning News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For those who have the option, more are contemplating walking, cycling, carpooling or catching the bus or train to get some relief.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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However, residents’ final tax bills were significantly delayed by the implementation of LeVota’s new tax relief programs, causing the county to extend its property tax payment deadline by a month.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspiration. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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