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
The layout was created to be as open as possible, drawing inspiration from loft living while strategically enclosing private areas like the bedroom, dressing spaces, and Meloni’s office.
—
Gay Gassmann, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2025
The movie draws inspiration from real-life scams, like the Tinder Swindler.
—EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025
The natural world serves as both an inspiration and a guide as scientists search for ways to tap into or mimic its unique problem-solving genius.
—Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025
Highest 2 Lowest Year: 2025 Runtime: 2h 13m Lee’s reworking of Ed McBain’s novel King’s Ransom, which was the inspiration for Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 thriller, High and Low, has no shortage of highlights.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Gay Gassmann, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2025
The movie draws inspiration from real-life scams, like the Tinder Swindler.
—EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025
The natural world serves as both an inspiration and a guide as scientists search for ways to tap into or mimic its unique problem-solving genius.
—Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025
Highest 2 Lowest Year: 2025 Runtime: 2h 13m Lee’s reworking of Ed McBain’s novel King’s Ransom, which was the inspiration for Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 thriller, High and Low, has no shortage of highlights.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspiration
Noun
-
At the White House press briefing later that day, press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked whether Trump was joking in his comments or if there was a spiritual motivation behind his peace efforts.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
-
Just his razor-sharp intellect and the motivation to work hard.—
Rich Tabaka,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
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If individuals using these tools decide that speed and profit outweigh creativity and collaborating with creatives who have worked hard to perfect their craft, then the use of these tools will never showcase the best of what a story can be.—
Braedon Montgomery,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
-
The two recently caught up to discuss friendship, aging and the connection between creativity and longevity in their lives.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Rising payroll bills — partly because of the Government’s decision to raise the minimum wage and increase the contributions employers pay towards social security benefits — and uplifts in other costs, such as energy, have all hit profitability.—
Roger Trapp,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
-
Baden Bower’s proprietary AI algorithms predict optimal publication and angle combinations for maximum SEO uplift, streamlining campaign planning for fashion clients who need to coordinate media coverage with product availability.—
Ascend Agency,
New York Daily News,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Help others navigate their paths with honesty and encouragement—not just career advice but life insight.—
Shikha Bajaj,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
And their tandem performance within the broader play of the line sure lent some encouragement to various visions of the regular season, which the team begins against the Chargers on Sept. 5 in Brazil.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Stories in Stone: A Walking Tour of the Maitland Art Center: Step behind the gates of the Maitland Art Center and into a world shaped by vision, imagination, and legacy.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Aug. 2025
-
Costner’s declaration doesn’t leave much to the imagination either.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Infrared light and ‘dust-phobic vibration’ The Elevated Velocity has modes for interior comfort and different kinds of travel, from handsfree relaxation to desert racing.—
Mark Phelan,
Freep.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Stay cool with clothing: Select lightweight and loose-fitting outfits for enhanced comfort.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
This belief is more pressing now, given how devoid of impetus Villa have looked in their two matches so far.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
27 Aug. 2025
-
The impetus for Legacy, which came out Aug. 22 on Concord, was Fogerty regaining control over his songs after a half-century fight, as well as turning 80.—
Melinda Newman,
Billboard,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Zhao’s film is first a love story, then one of family, then one of deep pain and conflict, and finally one of relief and hope.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Jackson joined a wave of volunteers that marked the largest relief effort since then, according to reporting at the time.—
Angele Latham,
The Tennessean,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspiration. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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