inspire

verb

in-ˈspī(-ə)r How to pronounce inspire (audio)
Definition of inspirenext
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

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 inspire But public rancor also inspired her to experiment with that form. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026 You were first inspired to write The Witches of Cambridge after enrolling in Harvard Divinity School. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026 For a truly awe-inspiring view over the treetops, hike to the Mount Misery Overlook. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 The new musical, inspired by the life of groundbreaking astronomer and scientist Galileo Galilei, begins performances at the Shubert Theatre on Tuesday, November 10, with an opening night set for Sunday evening, December 6. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inspire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspire
  1. encourage
  2. elicit
  3. educate
  4. evoke
Verb
  • By taking stem cells from a host’s own body and encouraging them to differentiate before mixing them with a commercially available, soluble matrix gel, researchers may have cracked the most critical problems in the transplant process.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The bark can also be stripped from the branch, called girdling, which encourages faster root growth.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of encourage
Verb
  • In the fifth inning, Soto fouled a ball off his right leg, eliciting a grimace from him and attention from both an athletic trainer and Green.
    — Will Sammon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Venice is also likely to elicit strong feelings in the debate over AI.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of elicit
Verb
  • His campaign is trying to stamp out the stigma that surrounds an HIV diagnosis and educate people about the basics, such as how the virus can't be spread through touching or sharing food.
    — Betsy Joles, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026
  • My main goal is to educate and try and help clarify any confusion.
    — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of educate
Verb
  • Depending on one’s vantage, the concrete behemoth evokes a spaceship or a naval vessel, an airport terminal or a bridge, maybe even a freeway overpass (very LA).
    — George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
  • This is a game laser-focused on fun, evoking that through smart puzzle design, cooperation, collectibles that are all tied to fun little minigames, and more.
    — George Yang, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of evoke

Browse Nearby Words

inspirations
inspire
inspired
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Cite this Entry

“Inspire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspire. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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