1
as in to encourage
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
the rousing campaign speech inspired everyone to get out the vote
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to elicit
to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved)
what inspired that comment?
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inspire
Elsewhere, landscape designer Katsuaki Ogawa will create a new garden with covered walkways, water features, and seasonal plantings inspired by traditional Japanese gardens.
—
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 14 May 2026
That’s the paradise that inspired Kai.
—Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026
The story is inspired by real-life reports of exploitation and abuse of Moroccan women who go to Spain for seasonal work and actual court cases.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
While underwater, Michael Philip Davenport, president of Underwater Adventure Seekers, was inspired to create art showing ancestors emerging from the monument.
—ABC News, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 14 May 2026
That’s the paradise that inspired Kai.
—Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026
The story is inspired by real-life reports of exploitation and abuse of Moroccan women who go to Spain for seasonal work and actual court cases.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
While underwater, Michael Philip Davenport, president of Underwater Adventure Seekers, was inspired to create art showing ancestors emerging from the monument.
—ABC News, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspire
Verb
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The sleek black straps instantly make the Birkenstock Arizona Softbed Birk-flo Sandals feel a little more sleek, while the roomy design encourages a more natural stride during long sightseeing days.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
22 May 2026
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Customer loyalty programs can be powerful tools for encouraging repeat business, deepening customer relationships and giving brands a more direct way to stay connected with their audiences.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Verb
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But Jeffries’s efforts, which have achieved mixed results, have also elicited concerns from some of his supporters.—
Jason Zengerle,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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The footprints often elicit a rush of happy memories.—
Duaa Eldeib,
ProPublica,
18 May 2026
Verb
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
19 May 2026
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Several teachers on the staff have been a part of Ocean Week since its origins in 1993 including Halboth, Linda Tan and Christi Walter—all three are retiring this spring after giving 35 years of educating Rancho Santa Fe students.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 May 2026
Verb
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An album that has so many tunes about boyhood is well served by songwriting and arrangements that evoke such a never-ending sense of play.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
23 May 2026
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The underwater world informed also her approach to accessories, which ranged from mesh handbags studded with transparent beads mimicking drops of water to statement necklaces, bracelets and belts evoking octopus tentacles and small anchovies.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspire. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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