instill

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

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 Griner said her father instilled in her the importance of connection. Ben Pickman, New York Times, 22 May 2025 So many horrible things fate has thrown at him from the very beginning of his life to today - and that instilled in him a spirit that so many people love, which is the guy who gets up after getting knocked down. Terry Gross, NPR, 20 May 2025 Both credit their father for instilling in them a deep commitment to community and service. J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2025 Moms who align with the zodiac sign Cancer are close to their kin and take the time to instill values into their children. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for instill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instill
Verb
  • Keep bellflowers cool by planting them in partial shade, making sure they are protected from the hot afternoon sun.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 June 2025
  • Under city ordinances, developers must replace a certain percentage of trees being removed, in this case either by planting 320 new trees or paying a $156,954 fee, Latinovic said.
    Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • As a result, the only people left standing are the many clones who were bred on the Citadel to serve a multitude of purposes — from backup bodies to restaurant chain mascots.
    Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • For instance, salt-marsh mosquitoes in coastal areas can breed in the billions per acre and fly long distances.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • Abe was part of a conservative faction of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and known for his association with Nippon Kaigi, an influential conservative organization that among other goals advocated teaching Japanese history to inculcate national pride.
    Jennifer Lind, Foreign Affairs, 12 July 2022
  • Everyone should inculcate the ability to identify root causes and recognize patterns, feedback loops and relationships that influence outcomes rather than focusing on isolated components.
    Balmukund Shukla, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • This also requires embedding AI within core operational processes rather than treating it as a side initiative.
    Muamer Cisija, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Steel plates have been embedded in the asphalt to protect roads from 140,000-pound tanks.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • He’s been a fan ever since, changing his rooting interests from Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Chase Elliott (the son of Bill Elliott, whom Oscar associates with his early days as a fan).
    Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • If several white roots are visible, the sod is actively rooting into the soil beneath and can be mowed if needed.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instill. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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