1
as in motivations
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 comforts
a feeling of ease from grief or trouble
The return of summer brought with it a new sense of inspiration.
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Recent Examples of inspirations
These eclectic inspirations are in conversation at the table.
—
The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
The star’s lower, huskier baritone voice has always made an impact in BTS’ music with the star citing the likes of Bing Crosby, Eric Benet and Ruben Studdard as inspirations.
—Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Zlotowski agreed, adding that her own inspirations include pioneers like Nora Ephron and Nancy Meyers.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
Vevers’ approach is to continually push forward while looking back — melding together observations of what today’s youth desire; pushing forward sustainable initiatives, and honoring Coach’s leather goods heritage by incorporating inspirations from its vast archive.
—Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2025
Early’s inspirations for the film run the gamut, and the star and filmmaker has been open about wanting to blend everything from Sirkian melodramas to old-school TV movies of the week to plunge us into his very specific, very funny, and often weirdly moving mindset.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2025
Since then, Pate says the band has written more music, including a song for a potential season two, after meeting one of their musical inspirations Cage the Elephant.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
One of Bowie’s biggest inspirations seems to have been a periodical also called The Spectator, which was published between 1711 and 1712.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Certain women have stood out as inspirations for me in forging my career path; one of them is style and beauty expert Trinny Woodall.
—Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
The star’s lower, huskier baritone voice has always made an impact in BTS’ music with the star citing the likes of Bing Crosby, Eric Benet and Ruben Studdard as inspirations.
—Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Zlotowski agreed, adding that her own inspirations include pioneers like Nora Ephron and Nancy Meyers.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
Vevers’ approach is to continually push forward while looking back — melding together observations of what today’s youth desire; pushing forward sustainable initiatives, and honoring Coach’s leather goods heritage by incorporating inspirations from its vast archive.
—Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 6 Sep. 2025
Early’s inspirations for the film run the gamut, and the star and filmmaker has been open about wanting to blend everything from Sirkian melodramas to old-school TV movies of the week to plunge us into his very specific, very funny, and often weirdly moving mindset.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2025
Since then, Pate says the band has written more music, including a song for a potential season two, after meeting one of their musical inspirations Cage the Elephant.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
One of Bowie’s biggest inspirations seems to have been a periodical also called The Spectator, which was published between 1711 and 1712.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Certain women have stood out as inspirations for me in forging my career path; one of them is style and beauty expert Trinny Woodall.
—Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspirations
Noun
-
What investigators conclude about Robinson’s motivations may have far-reaching consequences beyond his own criminal case.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
17 Sep. 2025
-
When employers look past pedigrees and see workers’ singular abilities, histories, and motivations, skills gaps disappear.—
Ryan Stowers,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
One alternative to spending the night in a tent (or even sleeping in the open air) is glamping, which combines the benefits of being outdoors with many of the comforts of home.—
Laura Kiniry,
Popular Science,
17 Sep. 2025
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Its rooms and residences blend the building’s Art Deco aesthetic (terrazzo floors, crystal chandeliers) with modern comforts.—
Chris Schalkx,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Ward and Curlee also started the app Counterbalance, which provides daily encouragements, recipes, community and more.—
Emy LaCroix,
People.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Soon after, a flood of silver and green balloons were released to a chorus of cheers.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
By the time the final model strutted off the runway, the Pier 76 space was alive with cheers and cameras flashing against rows of gleaming cars.—
Skylar Mitchell,
Essence,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Existing savings reliefs and incentives tilt heavily in favor of the better off, and are inordinately complicated to boot.—
Clive Crook,
Twin Cities,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Droll and deadpan, Starnone’s novel offers an accounting of the tolls and the consolations of lifelong artistic pursuit.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Yet even in an awkward or hurtful breakup conversation, the person being broken up with is still offered the dignity of being told to their face that the relationship is ending; ghostees aren’t even allowed these small consolations.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inspirations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspirations. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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