as in inspiring
causing people to want to do or create something; giving inspiration
an inspirational speaker Her courage is inspirational.
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Recent Examples of inspirational
Even the most inspirational films about growing up in the inner-city have a tendency to look down on their subjects, portraying them as characters to be rescued or redeemed.
—
Peter Debruge, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
Lara said, through volunteer work, he's also spent time visiting the sick, and sending inspirational books to inmates.
—Suzanne Le Mignot, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
Jennifer Lawrence's latest travel look is truly inspirational.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026
There are nods to this history throughout, and particularly in the restaurant, Annette, which was named in tribute to Annette Kolb, the inspirational French-German writer and pacifist who lived at the original Hotel Cayré for 17 years from 1944.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026
Your little one can also check out the Kidz Bop Black History Month playlist that highlights inspirational Black musicians and entertainers.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 27 Jan. 2026
The Zadorov return proved to be inspirational.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
Sahil Bloom is an entrepreneur, investor, and inspirational writer and content creator who writes the biweekly newsletter, The Curiosity Chronicle.
—Sahil Bloom, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2026
Brodie was a two-time Pro Bowler and won the 49ers’ prestigious Len Eshmont Award in 1965 for inspirational and courageous play.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
Peter Debruge, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
Lara said, through volunteer work, he's also spent time visiting the sick, and sending inspirational books to inmates.
—Suzanne Le Mignot, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
Jennifer Lawrence's latest travel look is truly inspirational.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026
There are nods to this history throughout, and particularly in the restaurant, Annette, which was named in tribute to Annette Kolb, the inspirational French-German writer and pacifist who lived at the original Hotel Cayré for 17 years from 1944.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026
Your little one can also check out the Kidz Bop Black History Month playlist that highlights inspirational Black musicians and entertainers.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 27 Jan. 2026
The Zadorov return proved to be inspirational.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
Sahil Bloom is an entrepreneur, investor, and inspirational writer and content creator who writes the biweekly newsletter, The Curiosity Chronicle.
—Sahil Bloom, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2026
Brodie was a two-time Pro Bowler and won the 49ers’ prestigious Len Eshmont Award in 1965 for inspirational and courageous play.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspirational
Adjective
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Her father’s inspiring story fueled her determination, drive and passion for athletics and life.—
James Varsallone,
Miami Herald,
4 Feb. 2026
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Gates has assembled a stimulating, illuminating, maddening, saddening, but often inspiring, story of their relations with the world and one another.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Bieniemy could inject some new ideas after an impressive stint as running backs coach under Ben Johnson for the Chicago Bears who ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards while winning their division during Bieniemy’s only year there.—
Jeff Fedotin,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Snow, sleet and ice totals have been impressive, ranging from 1 to 5 inches.—
S.E. Jenkins,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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My time belonged entirely to me, and the constant motion was both exciting and reassuring.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
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The Super Bowl commercial also drops at an exciting moment for the whiskey brand, which is announcing its first line extension, next week.—
Kirby Adams,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Tyler brought the same provocative, chaotic self-expression into his solo career in 2009 with the mixtape Bastard, then broke into Billboard’s top five with his studio albums Goblin (2011), Wolf (2013) Cherry Bomb (2015) and Flower Boy (2017).—
Matt Craig,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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However, a highlight was a measured but provocative speech from Monet about mentorship, nepotism and gatekeeping in the music industry.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Years ago, Angela Duckworth, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, did not see much significance in the motivational tactics or customs of NFL players.—
Rustin Dodd,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
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It can be used as a motivational tool to foster a sense of camaraderie in sports or the classroom.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspirational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspirational. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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