Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inspirit differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inspirit are embolden, encourage, and hearten. While all these words mean "to fill with courage or strength of purpose," inspirit, somewhat literary, implies instilling life, energy, courage, or vigor into something.

patriots inspirited the people to resist

When is embolden a more appropriate choice than inspirit?

Although the words embolden and inspirit have much in common, embolden implies the giving of courage sufficient to overcome timidity or reluctance.

emboldened by her first success, she tried an even more difficult climb

When would encourage be a good substitute for inspirit?

In some situations, the words encourage and inspirit are roughly equivalent. However, encourage suggests the raising of one's confidence especially by an external agency.

the teacher's praise encouraged the students to greater efforts

When might hearten be a better fit than inspirit?

The synonyms hearten and inspirit are sometimes interchangeable, but hearten implies the lifting of dispiritedness or despondency by an infusion of fresh courage or zeal.

a hospital patient heartened by good news

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 inspirit Howard Brandston, a prominent lighting designer who illuminated landmarks in New York and around the world, and who used light to inspirit people depressed by waning winter daylight, to prevent infections, and even to keep penguins in a zoo from looking seedy, died on Feb. 24 in Lenox, Mass. Sam Roberts, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2023 He is blinded by comforting, inspiriting harmonies, a forceful but unseeing disturbance of the peace. Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2019 The women's program is the entire backbone and inspiriting force of soccer in America - and has been ever since 1996. Sally Jenkins, courant.com, 12 June 2019 The women’s program is the entire backbone and inspiriting force of soccer in America - and has been ever since 1996. Sally Jenkins, Houston Chronicle, 12 June 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspirit
Verb
  • The movie’s director herself was inspired to to bring this to life after having her own experience with matchmaking, but did the film accurately portray real New York City matchmaker experiences?
    Yola Robert, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Billy Joel has written some of the biggest hits of his generation, some of which were inspired by his family.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • During his latter stint on the council, Spelman called on Austin police to reevaluate how officers spent their time and encouraged the city to consider alternative programs to reduce crime.
    Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Community members are encouraged to see the stadium before the start of the 2025 football season.
    Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inspirit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspirit. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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