Thesaurus results for INSTILL

Q: How does the verb 'instill' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of instill are implant , inculcate , infix , and inseminate . While all these words mean "to introduce into the mind," instill stresses gradual, gentle imparting of knowledge over a long period of time. // instill traditional values in your children

Q: When would 'implant' be a good substitute for 'instill'?

While in some cases nearly identical to instill , implant implies teaching that makes for permanence of what is taught. // implanted a love of reading in her students

Q: Where would 'inculcate' be a reasonable alternative to 'instill'?

While the synonyms inculcate and instill are close in meaning, inculcate implies persistent or repeated efforts to impress on the mind. // tried to inculcate in him high moral standards

Q: When could 'infix' be used to replace 'instill'?

Although the words infix and instill have much in common, infix stresses firmly inculcating a habit of thought. // infixed a chronic cynicism

Q: In what contexts can 'inseminate' take the place of 'instill'?

The meanings of inseminate and instill largely overlap; however, inseminate applies to a sowing of ideas in many minds so that they spread through a class or nation. // inseminated an unquestioning faith in technology

instill

verb

in-ˈstil

Definition of instill next

as in to plant

to set permanently in the consciousness or mind-set a charismatic leader who instilled in his followers a passionate commitment to the cause

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb instill differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of instill are implant, inculcate, infix, and inseminate. While all these words mean "to introduce into the mind," instill stresses gradual, gentle imparting of knowledge over a long period of time.

instill traditional values in your children

When would implant be a good substitute for instill?

While in some cases nearly identical to instill, implant implies teaching that makes for permanence of what is taught.

implanted a love of reading in her students

Where would inculcate be a reasonable alternative to instill?

While the synonyms inculcate and instill are close in meaning, inculcate implies persistent or repeated efforts to impress on the mind.

tried to inculcate in him high moral standards

When could infix be used to replace instill?

Although the words infix and instill have much in common, infix stresses firmly inculcating a habit of thought.

infixed a chronic cynicism

In what contexts can inseminate take the place of instill?

The meanings of inseminate and instill largely overlap; however, inseminate applies to a sowing of ideas in many minds so that they spread through a class or nation.

inseminated an unquestioning faith in technology

Examples 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 instill Giving them the freedom to learn on their own will help to instill them with self-confidence. —

Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024 For The Times) Distrust among the Iranian people, instilled by the regime, is a key tactic to maintaining its grip. —

Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024 Once a voyager, a tragic event instilled in him a fear of the ocean, leading him to forbid his people from venturing beyond the safety of the island's reef. —

Jordana Comiter, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024 His approach reflects an immense amount of discipline – whether that stems from his days in the Scouts and the Merchant Navy or his mother instilling a love of sewing in him – he very clearly, and intentionally thinks about his purchases. —

Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for instill

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instill

Verb

The Michigan players, or some of them, had to plant a flag on Ohio State’s field.

Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 12 Dec. 2024
Contrary to their common indoor placement, poinsettias can be planted outdoors for a shakeup in your outdoor holiday decor.

Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024