INSPIRING Synonyms: 159 Similar and Opposite Words

inspiring 1 of 2

adjective

in-ˈspī-riŋ

Definition of inspiring

as in breathtaking

causing great emotional or mental stimulation an inspiring idea for a national program in which young people would commit themselves to a year of community service

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

inspiring

2 of 2

verb

present participle of inspire

as in encouraging

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

as in eliciting

to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved) what inspired that comment?

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in educating

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 inspiring

Adjective

Robinson is an inspiring figure to a generation of journalists and media business insiders. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 Behind the scenes was a tale much more complex and, in many ways, more inspiring. — CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

Verb

Chanel, Dior, Toteme, and Khaite spun the historically casual pants into something quite elegant, inspiring me to find ways to emulate the look in my own daily life this season. — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 8 Oct. 2026 Why Gen Z wants authentic Y2K pieces One big reason Gen Z keeps hunting old mall clothes is that the pieces come from the actual era inspiring today’s Y2K revival. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inspiring

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspiring

Adjective

Princess Rajwa was the star of the day, of course, in her breathtaking gown by Elie Saab.

— Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 17 Oct. 2026
Canaletto, a prominent member of the Venetian school, is best known for his breathtaking oil paintings of Venice and London.

— News Desk, Artforum, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of breathtaking

Verb

Anti-Trumpers in Wichita are encouraging folks to attend the next No Kings Nationwide Day of Action on Saturday as a sort of rally warm-up.

— Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026
But in his statement Hannan argued labor and environmentalists aren’t stopping development, just encouraging it be done safely.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of encouraging

Verb

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last week Hasan’s execution would be livestreamed, eliciting pushback from Democrats, Republicans and religious advocates about the idea.

— Corbin Bolies, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Musk's comment against Ambani caused a political stir in India, eliciting a response from India's leader of opposition, Rahul Gandhi, who has consistently alleged that the government is being influenced by powerful businessmen in India.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of eliciting

Verb

Torres is a board member of the Dallas Mexican American Historical League (DMAHL), a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about the city's Mexican American history.

— Alexis Guerrero, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Even more impressive is the company’s commitment to the local community and environment, and to educating guests about the area’s Indigenous culture and heritage.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of educating

Adjective

An unopened box may look exciting when it is surrounded by balloons, friends and the smell of cake.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
They're packaged quite perfectly for gift-giving in a gift set of four mini bars that are just as exciting to unwrap as an (edible) holiday treat.

— Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of exciting

Verb

The movie is of no aesthetic originality or distinction; it’s filmed, transparently, in scenes of straightforward dramatic realism, neither maintaining an individual character’s point of view nor evoking subjectivity.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026
Sivan is good at evoking loneliness through imagery, but not always the best at inhabiting it.

— Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of evoking

Adjective

The Patriots will finish second in the West Valley League and could be an intriguing first-round matchup in the City Section Open Division playoffs.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
For now, this is an intriguing proof of concept, a tantalizing glimpse of what electric mobility might look like someday, and a technology wrapped in enough engineering jargon to make the average driver’s eyes glaze over.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of intriguing

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inspires

inspiring

inspirit

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“Inspiring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspiring. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of inspiring

adjective

verb

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