inspired

adjective

in·​spired in-ˈspī(-ə)rd How to pronounce inspired (audio)
: outstanding or brilliant in a way or to a degree suggestive of divine inspiration
gave an inspired performance

Examples of inspired in a Sentence

She gave an inspired performance. He was an inspired choice for the role.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This year, the Bucs are feeling themselves after an inspired 23-20 win against the Atlanta Falcons, with first-round wide receiver Emeka Egbuka hauling in the winning touchdown from Mayfield. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025 Director Jay Sandrich made the inspired decision to have them swap roles. Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025 For the performance at the UBS Arena, which marked her main stage debut at the VMAs, McRae delivered an inspired set that channeled Medusa and her ability to turn men to stone with a simple glance. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 7 Sep. 2025 The actress stepped out in New York City wearing a pair of retro-inspired, deep blue flare jeans with exaggerated bell hems. Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inspired

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inspired was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inspired.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inspired. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inspired

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!