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
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Recent Examples of inspire
Indeed, lights are blinking all over, indicating that whatever's causing the power outage is also inspiring distress calls from all over the world.
—
EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Some menu items, such as the Chicken & Black Bean Combo, were inspired by customers who ordered items a la carte and mixed them together.
—Philip Freeman, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2025
Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
It’s been inspiring to me and to the whole group.
—Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspire
EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Some menu items, such as the Chicken & Black Bean Combo, were inspired by customers who ordered items a la carte and mixed them together.
—Philip Freeman, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2025
Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025
It’s been inspiring to me and to the whole group.
—Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspire
Verb
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The goal of the tax subsidies was to encourage more Americans to save for retirement.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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Find out what experts recommend to encourage tulip bulbs to bloom again next year.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Regardless of the finer points of the legal arguments, the mere fact of Barrett’s position was enough to elicit vocal dismay from Trump loyalists.—
Niall Stanage,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
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The chicken jockey is already a fan favorite from the movie, with its appearance eliciting whoops and hollers from audiences.—
Christopher Rudolph,
People.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Don't show up and ask someone there to educate you.—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
9 Apr. 2025
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The Charlotte Observer spoke to Chris Hayes, an extension associate of structural pest management at NC State University who specializes educating the pest management industry on critter habits, to find out.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The electronics against a mini orchestra—bass, flute, sax, clarinet, percussion—evoke a full, underwater soundscape, like you’re submerged in a comforting dream, or another life.—
Kate Branch,
Vogue,
10 Apr. 2025
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Warm neutrals evoke relaxation, which is ideal for hospitality brands.—
Bryant Richardson,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspire. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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