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 designer drew inspiration for Gregory’s burgundy coat from a Coogler red carpet moment, tailoring a clean, sophisticated silhouette while playing with the scale of Janine’s costume.
—
Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
My real inspirations as a kid were more like Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett, and those types of sketch comedy.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 June 2026
Tinseltown’s golden era was an inspiration.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 1 June 2026
The top of American tennis is full of Black players, and nearly all of them — Madison Keys, Sloane Stephens, Coco Gauff, Hailey Baptiste, Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton and on — point to Serena and Venus as their inspirations.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
My real inspirations as a kid were more like Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett, and those types of sketch comedy.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 June 2026
Tinseltown’s golden era was an inspiration.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 1 June 2026
The top of American tennis is full of Black players, and nearly all of them — Madison Keys, Sloane Stephens, Coco Gauff, Hailey Baptiste, Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton and on — point to Serena and Venus as their inspirations.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspiration
Noun
-
No matter the motivation or trading strategy, going short is a bet that a stock will decline in price.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
-
Osuch said the ability to keep his future options open was his motivation.—
Cyril A. Reinicke,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
Noun
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For Pawela, the PB Arts Center partnership will serve as a resource for young, ambitious artists and allow for creativity to take root.—
Madison Beveridge,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
-
For companies and individuals alike, the challenge isn’t just to keep pace, but to adapt with creativity and intention.—
Glenn Llopis,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
Wind uplift can loosen or lift shingles, creating vulnerable areas where water can enter.—
David Nye,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2026
-
Richemont’s division, which includes Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Buccellati, grew 16% in Q4 — smashing expectations of an 11% uplift and surpassing the previous quarter, when jewelry sales grew 14%.—
Laure Guilbault,
Vogue,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
Bazarte gave El Grande Americano II encouragement from the front row.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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On it, the two trade not just verses but a series of escalating, truly incendiary guitar solos, Springsteen watching Morello intently and nodding encouragement and approval, before Morello handing the reins back to Springsteen.—
Caryn Rose,
Variety,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
The ‘Big River’ captured Mark Twain’s imagination.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
31 May 2026
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And for venture capital, imagination may remain the most important signal of all.—
Anna Demeo,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Noun
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When the fabric is right, your comfort is sure to follow — but choosing pieces that are also work-appropriate is trickier.—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
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The Outback continues to balance passenger comfort with true utility thanks to its 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, multi-use cargo area and substantial roof rail system capable of supporting up to 800 pounds of static load capacity.—
Tim Jackson,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Three cases The impetus for the legislation was a shocking case last year in Waterbury that was following by two other cases in New Britain and Enfield.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
28 May 2026
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The impetus to start the brand came after losing a close friend, Kristy, to cancer at just 24 years old in 2013.—
Rachel Burchfield,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
There are tons of spa treatments, all on the affordable side, ranging from an abdominal relaxation ritual for digestive lightness to cranial drainage for migraine relief.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
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But the Bears’ fate was left unclear — perhaps to be decided only by the team — when state lawmakers adjourned without agreeing on a property-tax relief plan for the team.—
Rick Pearson,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspiration. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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