Synonyms of instill

instill

verb

in-ˈstil 

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

• plant
• breed
• inculcate
• embed
• root
• implant
• inseminate
• sow
• lodge
• entrench
• drive
• imbed
• infuse
• enroot
• invest
• imbue
• infix
• inoculate
• intrench
• ingrain
• engrain
• hammer
• pound
• suffuse
• steep
• fix

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

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