1
as in to encourage
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
the rousing campaign speech inspired everyone to get out the vote
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to elicit
to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved)
what inspired that comment?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to educate
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding
great works of visual art can inspire us in ways that the written word often cannot
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inspire
In the early 2010s, the Australian wellness influencer was writing a blog about her struggles with brain cancer, amassing thousands of followers on Instagram, launching a recipe app inspired by the healthy diet that allegedly cured her, and ultimately getting a book deal.
—
Jen Chaney, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
An architecture student has devised a clever way to build strong, stable vaulted floors using far less concrete and steel than usual, with a novel formwork design inspired by origami.
—New Atlas, 7 Feb. 2025
The styles are inspired by 1960s Palm Beach, Fla., where Lilly Pulitzer was started, and features bold heritage prints and colors, but with a modern twist.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
The World’s First Podcast originated in 2021 and inspired the podcast featured in Nobody Wants This.
—Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for inspire 
Jen Chaney, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
An architecture student has devised a clever way to build strong, stable vaulted floors using far less concrete and steel than usual, with a novel formwork design inspired by origami.
—New Atlas, 7 Feb. 2025
The styles are inspired by 1960s Palm Beach, Fla., where Lilly Pulitzer was started, and features bold heritage prints and colors, but with a modern twist.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
The World’s First Podcast originated in 2021 and inspired the podcast featured in Nobody Wants This.
—Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for inspire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspire
Verb
-
Provide opportunities for professional growth, encourage open feedback, and show appreciation for hard work.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr.,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Applications encouraged from people of color, women, and/or veterans 5.—
Shimite Obialo,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Debnam-Carey imbues Milla with the right level of sincerity to elicit empathy even when her practices are misguided, and Dee stands as a suitable voice of reason amid the copious noise (as does Ashley Zukerman as Bell’s beleaguered partner, Clive).—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
7 Feb. 2025
-
The Kings and Isles are tied for the fewest penalties drawn in that time period, while the Ducks’ 88 infractions elicited (tied for 10th in the NHL) have at least given them chances.—
Andrew Knoll,
Orange County Register,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Danica McKellar is aiming to educate and entertain young readers in a new kids book.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
10 Feb. 2025
-
Since before Trump was inaugurated Jan. 20, immigrant advocacy groups in Chicago have been trying to educate community members on their rights, for example that constitutional protections against self-incrimination apply to all people on U.S. soil, including undocumented immigrants.—
Peter Breen,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The laced symbolism and imagery evoke calls to Langston Hughes’s I Too.—
Essence,
Essence,
10 Feb. 2025
-
Designers and homeowners alike are leaning into palettes that celebrate individuality, evoke nature’s tranquility, and pay homage to timeless styles.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to inspire
Thesaurus Entries Near inspire
Cite this Entry
“Inspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspire. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share