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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inspirations
The visuals capture the inspirations that inform each designer’s craft while recognizing fashion’s ability to unite individual perspectives.
—
Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
Some songs build from Sutkowski’s inspirations and even improve upon them, but others wear them a bit too prominently on their sleeves.
—Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 10 Feb. 2026
Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace, the main residence of Ottoman sultans, was also one of his inspirations.
—Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
In a conversation with THR and during a Rotterdam press conference, Er Gorbach and Sadat discussed their inspirations and hopes for their respective films.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 Feb. 2026
Here's everything to know about the inspirations behind Benedict and Sophie's love story.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
Express what playful inspirations rise up within you.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
Khan returned the admiration, calling Mitchell one of her biggest inspirations.
—Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2026
Follow her on Instagram @especiallyafrica for safari dreams and inspirations.
—Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
Some songs build from Sutkowski’s inspirations and even improve upon them, but others wear them a bit too prominently on their sleeves.
—Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 10 Feb. 2026
Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace, the main residence of Ottoman sultans, was also one of his inspirations.
—Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
In a conversation with THR and during a Rotterdam press conference, Er Gorbach and Sadat discussed their inspirations and hopes for their respective films.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 Feb. 2026
Here's everything to know about the inspirations behind Benedict and Sophie's love story.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
Express what playful inspirations rise up within you.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
Khan returned the admiration, calling Mitchell one of her biggest inspirations.
—Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2026
Follow her on Instagram @especiallyafrica for safari dreams and inspirations.
—Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspirations
Noun
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The search warrant affidavit could shed light on the FBI’s motivations in seeking the ballots.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Feb. 2026
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Hayley’s very upset by it, and that upsets Mickey, and that’s probably one of the biggest driving motivations for him, not just to save his own life, but to save his daughter and his family from the ramifications of this.—
Pat Saperstein,
Variety,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Working with architect Eric Moser of MK Design Group and builder Allen Patterson of Allen Patterson Builders, the home was inspired by the timeless character of a traditional Lowcountry cottage, while also quietly embracing modern comforts.—
Mina Loudermilk,
Southern Living,
13 Feb. 2026
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This daydream is a rite-of-passage experience, made even better when carried out from the warm comforts of a bubble bath.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In October 2024 ahead of her own stay at MSG, Billie Eilish recorded encouragements to take the subways for environmental benefits.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Hints, counsels, warnings, remonstrations, even encouragements are, in the end, of limited value.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
For non-track and engine sounds, sound editor Gwendolyn Yates Whittle collected crowd noises and loop group recordings like chants and cheers, while rerecording mixers Gary Rizzo and Juan Peralta oversaw dialogue and music, and sound effects, respectively.—
Beatrice Verhoeven,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
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Or to the glamour of the Kolkata Knight Riders, partly owned by Shah Rukh Khan, one of India's biggest film stars, who draws louder cheers from his fans than any of the cricketers.—
Samanth Subramanian,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
From the old mail chute in the lobby to the original grand marble portrait reliefs on the ornate curving staircase, attention to historical preservation adds charm in all the public—and even not-so-public—spaces, like the basement bank safe where the original Coca-Cola recipe once resided.—
Su-Jit Lin,
Southern Living,
27 Dec. 2025
-
One of the most unexpected reliefs came in the grocery store aisles.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Over three nights, hundreds of drivers in both Super Late Model and Open Wheel Modified divisions will battle through prelims on Thursday and Friday, including hot laps, heat races, consolations, and qualifiers, to earn a spot in Saturday’s high-stakes finale.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Dec. 2025
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There are no consolations to offer the grieving, really, but a squeeze of the hand, or a text, or a phone call, or a card in the mail can be transformative.—
Sheldon Pearce,
New Yorker,
21 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inspirations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspirations. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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