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
Consider trying one of these luxurious neck-tie blouses inspired by celebrities, below.
—
Nicol Natale, People.com, 15 May 2025
The commercial presents scenes, inspired by A’ja’s childhood, that resonate with many Black girls and women.
—Timeka Tounsel, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Photo Gallery Actress Susanne Wuest was greatly inspired by the box of photos the filmmaker provided of the women who lived on the farm.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 15 May 2025
The primary bedroom has upholstered moss-green suede walls and, a tribute to Mies van der Rohe, the iconic Chicago architect who inspired the design, a leathered stone accent wall behind the bed.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Nicol Natale, People.com, 15 May 2025
The commercial presents scenes, inspired by A’ja’s childhood, that resonate with many Black girls and women.
—Timeka Tounsel, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Photo Gallery Actress Susanne Wuest was greatly inspired by the box of photos the filmmaker provided of the women who lived on the farm.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 15 May 2025
The primary bedroom has upholstered moss-green suede walls and, a tribute to Mies van der Rohe, the iconic Chicago architect who inspired the design, a leathered stone accent wall behind the bed.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspire
Verb
-
In order to protect his brother, Gi-jun encouraged Ju-woon and Bong-san to stage a coup.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
6 June 2025
-
Trump reportedly encouraged Vance to strike a diplomatic tone publicly.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
The measure elicited the strongest opposition from Republicans, who argued that even if the funds were private, the measure made use of taxpayer resources because of the work required by the Treasurer and his staff.—
Katy Golvala,
Hartford Courant,
30 May 2025
-
The survey elicited responses from 49 corporate executives from Fortune 1000 companies, some of whom cited pressure from the Trump administration and conservative activists.—
Conor Murray,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
The hands-on displays are designed to educate about teamwork, deduction, health care, coordination, agility and cognitive thinking, among others.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2025
-
Many school districts pay private providers to educate students with special needs.—
Emilia Otte,
Hartford Courant,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
The Knicks blew a 17-point lead in Game 1, leading Haliburton to evoke Reggie Miller’s infamous choke gesture in the Garden.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
-
Smells that are linked to childhood often have the ability to evoke powerful autobiographical memories that define your understanding of yourself today.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspire. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share