1
as in motivation
something that arouses action or activity
She traveled cross-country seeking inspiration for her next book. He credits his mother as his inspiration for becoming a social worker.
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2
as in creativity
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others
They were a group of young artists filled with inspiration.
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3
as in uplift
a feeling of ease from grief or trouble
The return of summer brought with it a new sense of inspiration.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inspiration
Barbie Dream Fest was created as an intimate fan convention designed to foster meaningful connection, inspiration, and closer access to Barbie and her world.
—
Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026
Join Yvonne Escalante and Lauren O’Connor-Korb who drew inspiration from the toys and cartoons from their childhood and how they are engrained in social constructs.
—Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
Physicists studying dark matter — an invisible substance comprising 85% of the universe — turn to religious and spiritual traditions for inspiration and guidance.
—Deepa Bharath, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Man therefore is relieved of responsibility, his inspiration dies, his pride is hurt, and his ambition lessened or killed.
—Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026
Join Yvonne Escalante and Lauren O’Connor-Korb who drew inspiration from the toys and cartoons from their childhood and how they are engrained in social constructs.
—Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
Physicists studying dark matter — an invisible substance comprising 85% of the universe — turn to religious and spiritual traditions for inspiration and guidance.
—Deepa Bharath, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Man therefore is relieved of responsibility, his inspiration dies, his pride is hurt, and his ambition lessened or killed.
—Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspiration
Noun
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What were the hostage takers’ motivations?—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The other is a patchy, unpersuasive psychodrama about the underlying motivations and years-later ramifications of an unspeakable act—or, in this case, an unrealized plan to commit an unspeakable act.—
Hannah Jocelyn,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Yet in courts today, those same song lyrics can be presented to a jury as evidence of guilt, casting creativity as a literal confession.—
Ivan J. Bates,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Apr. 2026
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Sunny Rey Azzarito was in the fourth grade and struggling a bit in school when her teacher looked at one of her assignments and saw creativity where someone else may have chosen criticism.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The East London space generated seven-figure revenues in 2025 alone, helping drive what has become Peachy Den’s strongest year to date, with a 35% year-on-year uplift.—
Amy Francombe,
Vogue,
1 Apr. 2026
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Crucially, Nvidia's current valuation is before any uplift to earnings associated with the Marvell partnership are in the picture.—
,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Paddack noted how Sandy Alcantara came to him in the dugout and gave him words of encouragement.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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The Giants never led in the series, so Vitello didn’t get to deploy his bullpen in a late-game situation with a lead to protect, but the early returns from the relievers are reason for encouragement.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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May 21 – June 20 When structure meets imagination, conversations bloom.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Apr. 2026
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Their height and heft frightened and thrilled spectators, earning dinosaurs a permanent place in the public imagination, Coules said.—
Scottie Andrew,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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And our sleep quality has a direct correlation to our comfort and sleep environment.—
Sharon Brandwein,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
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For Robert Flamerich, who drives from Miami Beach to Doral daily, conserving gas means sacrificing comfort.—
Austin Carter,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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And taking small steps to connect with others — even as simple as engaging in idle chitchat with a stranger — can be an impetus for broader change.—
Keith Wagstaff,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
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Didn’t even know what the impetus was for the saying.—
Evan Grant,
Dallas Morning News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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For those who have the option, more are contemplating walking, cycling, carpooling or catching the bus or train to get some relief.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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However, residents’ final tax bills were significantly delayed by the implementation of LeVota’s new tax relief programs, causing the county to extend its property tax payment deadline by a month.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspiration. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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