inspire

verb

in-ˈspī(-ə)r How to pronounce inspire (audio)
Definition of inspirenext
1
as in to encourage
to fill with courage or strength of purpose the rousing campaign speech inspired everyone to get out the vote

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to elicit
to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved) what inspired that comment?

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to educate
to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding great works of visual art can inspire us in ways that the written word often cannot

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of inspire Sasha shows that leaders who align business decisions with a clear purpose can inspire trust, build credibility, and create lasting influence beyond quarterly results. — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 These 15 mountain towns in California offer contemporary amenities amid the beautiful landscapes that inspired one of nature’s most fervent champions. — Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026 Pillars of Greek culture, like an open-air cinema and taverna-inspired dining, anchor the experience, which also offers a standalone spa plus fitness center complete with a Finnish sauna and outdoor yoga deck for extra relaxation. — Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026 The team behind 26 Thai will debut Terminal 26 at Ponce City Market on June 8 with a menu inspired by Thailand's floating markets. — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inspire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspire
  1. encourage
  2. elicit
  3. educate
  4. evoke
Verb
  • Valentine also testified that the FDA encourages infant formula companies to send in all adverse event reports and that nothing prevented Mead Johnson from doing so.
    — David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Going forward, the city will encourage data center developers to submit an application for a special use district, meaning the site would specifically be used for a data center, nothing else.
    — Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
Definition of encourage
Verb
  • While no acts had performed on stage, a steady stream of military aircraft roared across the sky, eliciting gasps and cheers from the attendants making their way into the outdoor venue near the Washington Monument.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • But, in general, the subject elicited private reticence and public omertà.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 3 July 2026
Definition of elicit
Verb
  • Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • During the two decades of American occupation, Afghanistan experienced a sort of peace, one in which women could be educated, work as professionals, and even serve in the military.
    — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of educate
Verb
  • Castro again works with cinematographer Barton Cortright to craft lush images that certainly evoke the illusion of celluloid, lending the movie a nostalgic, charmingly retro take on sexuality and an idyllic view of open-air cruising.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 30 June 2026
  • The lodger being burned at the stake evokes the recent Spanish housing crisis.
    — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Definition of evoke

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inspirations
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Cite this Entry

“Inspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspire. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inspire

Nglish: Translation of inspire for Spanish Speakers

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