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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inspire
The project is inspired by the life of George Müller, who was guided by his faith in caring for more than 10,000 orphans before his death in 1898.
—
Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026
The ancient Hindu epic has inspired screen adaptations across multiple generations and formats.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026
Fire departments, inspired by the war, were already reorganizing under a new paramilitary structure to more quickly and aggressively respond to blazes although most were still primarily volunteer-based.
—Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Feeling inspired to capture your own photos of Earth's natural satellite?
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026
The ancient Hindu epic has inspired screen adaptations across multiple generations and formats.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026
Fire departments, inspired by the war, were already reorganizing under a new paramilitary structure to more quickly and aggressively respond to blazes although most were still primarily volunteer-based.
—Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Feeling inspired to capture your own photos of Earth's natural satellite?
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspire
Verb
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Saturn in your companionable 7th house is encouraging Pluto in your playful 5th house, so the energy of these cosmic powerhouses should be a little less hard to handle and a lot more fun!—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Mar. 2026
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Those who noticed the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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DeSantis' signing of the bill has elicited both positive and negative reactions.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The capture at the spaces involves nine cameras and a series of simple questions to elicit a range of facial reactions.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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One floor underground is a labyrinth of snazzy, high-tech equipment designed to bio-hack, educate and optimize performance.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
-
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
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As Adam reenters the dating world, his sister encourages him to view it as a fresh start, and scenic designer Milo Bue visually evokes the idea of a blank slate by employing off-whites and greys for Adam’s studio apartment in New York City.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspire. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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