Thesaurus results for INSTILL

Q: How does the verb 'instill' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of instill are implant , inculcate , infix , and inseminate . While all these words mean "to introduce into the mind," instill stresses gradual, gentle imparting of knowledge over a long period of time. // instill traditional values in your children

Q: When would 'implant' be a good substitute for 'instill'?

While in some cases nearly identical to instill , implant implies teaching that makes for permanence of what is taught. // implanted a love of reading in her students

Q: Where would 'inculcate' be a reasonable alternative to 'instill'?

While the synonyms inculcate and instill are close in meaning, inculcate implies persistent or repeated efforts to impress on the mind. // tried to inculcate in him high moral standards

Q: When could 'infix' be used to replace 'instill'?

Although the words infix and instill have much in common, infix stresses firmly inculcating a habit of thought. // infixed a chronic cynicism

Q: In what contexts can 'inseminate' take the place of 'instill'?

The meanings of inseminate and instill largely overlap; however, inseminate applies to a sowing of ideas in many minds so that they spread through a class or nation. // inseminated an unquestioning faith in technology

instill

verb

in-ˈstil

Definition of instill next

as in to plant

to set permanently in the consciousness or mind-set a charismatic leader who instilled in his followers a passionate commitment to the cause

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How does the verb instill differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of instill are implant, inculcate, infix, and inseminate. While all these words mean "to introduce into the mind," instill stresses gradual, gentle imparting of knowledge over a long period of time.

instill traditional values in your children

When would implant be a good substitute for instill?

While in some cases nearly identical to instill, implant implies teaching that makes for permanence of what is taught.

implanted a love of reading in her students

Where would inculcate be a reasonable alternative to instill?

While the synonyms inculcate and instill are close in meaning, inculcate implies persistent or repeated efforts to impress on the mind.

tried to inculcate in him high moral standards

When could infix be used to replace instill?

Although the words infix and instill have much in common, infix stresses firmly inculcating a habit of thought.

infixed a chronic cynicism

In what contexts can inseminate take the place of instill?

The meanings of inseminate and instill largely overlap; however, inseminate applies to a sowing of ideas in many minds so that they spread through a class or nation.

inseminated an unquestioning faith in technology

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 instill What’s more, the 102-year-old company has a distinct corporate culture — one that still pays homage to founder Walt and instills in its employees (known internally as cast members) the need to serve as guardians of Disney’s treasured characters and brands. —

Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026 The aggressive and indiscriminate tactics ICE deploys directly disrupt this dynamic, instilling fear and discouraging our immigrant neighbors from leaving their homes to engage in what were once their routine activities. —

Aubrey Jackson Soller, Baltimore Sun, 3 Feb. 2026 Having the heart to help people in need and doing community-minded work is something that has been instilled in Jack from his parents. —

Corey Davis, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 3 Feb. 2026 And Aerion uses it as an opportunity to do something big, to strike and instill fear and respect in the hearts of his subjects. —

Derek Lawrence, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instill

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instill

Verb

Dormant oil can cause phytotoxicity (damage to plant tissues from a chemical exposure) if applied during the growing season, which is why it’s applied while plants are dormant, usually in late winter.

— Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2026
The Iowa Electronic Markets helped plant the seed for the modern-day prediction market companies that have ballooned into a multibillion-dollar industry, offering contracts on everything from the Super Bowl to the number of times Elon Musk will post on X in early February.

— Suzy Khimm, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026

Definition of plant

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instigators

instill

instilled

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“Instill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instill. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of instill

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