as in inspiring
causing people to want to do or create something; giving inspiration
an inspirational speaker Her courage is inspirational.
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Recent Examples of inspirational
No quips or inspirational quotes.
—
Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
But none aped the style of an actual Super Bowl ad more cleverly than this one, clearly modeled after Budweiser’s ads that tend to feature horses and inspirational voiceovers.
—Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
So began a comeback journey hailed as triumphant and inspirational.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
Before that, the inspirational Moon opposes mending Chiron, stirring tender feelings around support, boundaries, and care.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
There’s also a wall of handwritten inspirational messages written by village residents, and mini-fridges stocked with multiple smoothie variations.
—Brittany Ghiroli, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
For the competition, students have memorized more than 100 inspirational quotes from Black historical figures.
—Monique John, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
Even the most inspirational films about growing up in the inner-city have a tendency to look down on their subjects, portraying them as characters to be rescued or redeemed.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
Jennifer Lawrence's latest travel look is truly inspirational.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026
Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
But none aped the style of an actual Super Bowl ad more cleverly than this one, clearly modeled after Budweiser’s ads that tend to feature horses and inspirational voiceovers.
—Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
So began a comeback journey hailed as triumphant and inspirational.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
Before that, the inspirational Moon opposes mending Chiron, stirring tender feelings around support, boundaries, and care.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
There’s also a wall of handwritten inspirational messages written by village residents, and mini-fridges stocked with multiple smoothie variations.
—Brittany Ghiroli, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
For the competition, students have memorized more than 100 inspirational quotes from Black historical figures.
—Monique John, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
Even the most inspirational films about growing up in the inner-city have a tendency to look down on their subjects, portraying them as characters to be rescued or redeemed.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
Jennifer Lawrence's latest travel look is truly inspirational.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspirational
Adjective
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As the nation honors Black History Month, stories of resilience, innovation, and community impact take center stage — none more inspiring than the journey of Trish Miller.—
Jobina Fortson-Evans,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2026
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For fans at home, watching a professional athlete battle through injury can be inspiring.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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That’s impressive for a rebuilding team, but is anyone picking the Ducks over the Oilers in a playoff series?—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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The seven others are an impressive array of politicians and nonpoliticians alike, all articulate and accomplished in various ways.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The park offers one of the most exciting wildlife experiences in Southern Africa, with a million acres of biodiverse savannas, wetlands, and montane rainforests, and a range of animals that includes buffalo herds, lion prides, and an array of birds.—
Lisa Grainger,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Feb. 2026
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That changed two years ago, when the ISU lifted its ban in a bid to make the sport more exciting and popular among younger fans.—
Fernanda Figueroa,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Fennell is a polarizing filmmaker, with a self-consciously provocative streak.—
Hannah Jocelyn,
New Yorker,
13 Feb. 2026
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In her provocative new spin on Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel, the Oscar-winning filmmaker announces from the get-go that this isn’t your grandmother’s windswept Gothic romance.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Robbins broke out as a motivational speaker sensation in the mid-90’s, parlaying his program into transformational programs, immersive experiences and executive education.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
11 Feb. 2026
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But there was one moment during the performance that stuck with me, when Bad Bunny gave an impassioned motivational speech in Spanish, urging the audience to recognize their worth.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspirational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspirational. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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