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
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Recent Examples of inspire
No war, no Lincoln, no Emancipation Proclamation, no Gettysburg—neither the battle nor the address—to inspire and instruct us?
—
Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
After earning herself an Academy Award with her Sense and Sensibility script, Thompson leant her pen to another Jane Austen adaptation — and helped nail down a speech that would inspire two decades worth of memes and angsty birthday cakes.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025
That’s why his inaugural line of rugs and throw pillows for Loloi, which launches tomorrow, is inspired by downtown Manhattan—the place where his creative journey began.
—Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2025
The strategies presented challenge the status quo and inspire leaders to build enduring legacies.
—John Hall, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
After earning herself an Academy Award with her Sense and Sensibility script, Thompson leant her pen to another Jane Austen adaptation — and helped nail down a speech that would inspire two decades worth of memes and angsty birthday cakes.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025
That’s why his inaugural line of rugs and throw pillows for Loloi, which launches tomorrow, is inspired by downtown Manhattan—the place where his creative journey began.
—Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2025
The strategies presented challenge the status quo and inspire leaders to build enduring legacies.
—John Hall, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inspire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspire
Verb
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The goal of the tax subsidies was to encourage more Americans to save for retirement.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
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Find out what experts recommend to encourage tulip bulbs to bloom again next year.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Regardless of the finer points of the legal arguments, the mere fact of Barrett’s position was enough to elicit vocal dismay from Trump loyalists.—
Niall Stanage,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
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The chicken jockey is already a fan favorite from the movie, with its appearance eliciting whoops and hollers from audiences.—
Christopher Rudolph,
People.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Don't show up and ask someone there to educate you.—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
9 Apr. 2025
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The Charlotte Observer spoke to Chris Hayes, an extension associate of structural pest management at NC State University who specializes educating the pest management industry on critter habits, to find out.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The electronics against a mini orchestra—bass, flute, sax, clarinet, percussion—evoke a full, underwater soundscape, like you’re submerged in a comforting dream, or another life.—
Kate Branch,
Vogue,
10 Apr. 2025
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Warm neutrals evoke relaxation, which is ideal for hospitality brands.—
Bryant Richardson,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspire. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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