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
Featuring inspirational messages and fun celebration, Glory Haus products make great gifts and additions to your own home.
—
Tory Johnson, ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026
Jamaica is just my inspirational stamp.
—Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2026
Perhaps risotto alla Milanese had been the inspirational spark, but the result ended up tasting like very savory, luxurious oatmeal.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
That wouldn’t seem to be the appropriate material for a funny and inspirational documentary, right?
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Boy Names Inspired By the Olympics There is no shortage of inspirational stories from the men during these Olympic Games, medals or not.
—Sari Hitchins, Parents, 10 Mar. 2026
Dear Everything offers an antidote — the voices of visionary youth, powerful storytelling, inspirational music, and a deep devotion that opens portals to other realms.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
Last week, after watching the gold medal hockey teams in Italy, after listening to Aaron Judge’s inspirational speech, after looking down at the jersey on his chest, Jax had to pinch himself.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
In Tokyo, the team from the Czech Republic and their lovable, inspirational story found a cult following three years ago — winning a game over a very poor China team in the WBC — and earned the legitimate respect of their opponents and local fans.
—Sam Blum, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Tory Johnson, ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026
Jamaica is just my inspirational stamp.
—Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2026
Perhaps risotto alla Milanese had been the inspirational spark, but the result ended up tasting like very savory, luxurious oatmeal.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
That wouldn’t seem to be the appropriate material for a funny and inspirational documentary, right?
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Boy Names Inspired By the Olympics There is no shortage of inspirational stories from the men during these Olympic Games, medals or not.
—Sari Hitchins, Parents, 10 Mar. 2026
Dear Everything offers an antidote — the voices of visionary youth, powerful storytelling, inspirational music, and a deep devotion that opens portals to other realms.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
Last week, after watching the gold medal hockey teams in Italy, after listening to Aaron Judge’s inspirational speech, after looking down at the jersey on his chest, Jax had to pinch himself.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
In Tokyo, the team from the Czech Republic and their lovable, inspirational story found a cult following three years ago — winning a game over a very poor China team in the WBC — and earned the legitimate respect of their opponents and local fans.
—Sam Blum, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspirational
Adjective
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Donors are encouraged to write inspiring notes.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
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An inspiring eighth grader is using his bright mind and big heart to spread kindness.—
Najahe Sherman,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Anderson’s collection was indebted to Galliano, with references to his past designs and the incorporation of cyclamen—of the kind Galliano presented to the younger couturier at their first meeting—across many pieces, as well as the impressive Musée Rodin set.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
17 Mar. 2026
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What followed has been an impressive run for the program, which began in 2005 under current West Aurora athletic director Jason Buckley and had six winning seasons in his seven years.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Article continues below Seasonal boost to auroras This week's storm watch comes at an especially exciting time for aurora hunters, with many regarding March as one of the best months to see the northern lights.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
17 Mar. 2026
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So, to see him now, four solo albums deep, embracing a love of dance is exciting.—
Annie Harrigan,
Billboard,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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His savior was the experimental documentarian Harun Farocki, famous for provocative works that skewered bourgeois complacency.—
Holden Seidlitz,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
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The book includes provocative texts from Semiotext(e) contributors like Chris Kraus, Hedi El Kholti, Abdellah Taïa, Lauren Mackler and French novelist Constance Debré, among others.—
Sammy Loren,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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There is more cackling when Jesus tries to explain Arteta’s latest motivational technique.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
20 Mar. 2026
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Group moderators lead monthly motivational challenges that users can sign up for.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspirational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspirational. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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