INSTILLED Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

instilled 1 of 2

adjective

as in inculcated

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instilled

2 of 2

verb

past tense of instill

as in planted

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

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 instilled

Adjective

Thirty years ago, McDonald instilled terror into his enemies. — Jeff Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026 Our mum’s a voracious reader and really instilled reading. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 22 May 2026 Mika’s mother - a CPA, professor, and philanthropist - instilled in her an early understanding of legacy as something actively lived and carefully protected. — William Jones, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026 But watching Micah Ski definitely just instilled in this deep drive to not be a skier. — Outside Online, 28 Jan. 2026 Pilar, a former Ford Agency model and actress, instilled confidence and poise in her kids from an early age. — Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 23 Nov. 2025 Michelle reflected on how both of her parents instilled confidence in her from a young age which unquestionably informs her style sensibility to date. — Essence, 7 Nov. 2025 His mother—central in shaping his early confidence—instilled in him a kind of resilience that would later fuel his global ambitions. — Janee Bolden, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025 Maye was efficient, didn’t turn the ball over, made plays with his arm and his legs, instilled confidence in his teammates and, most importantly, came away with a 33-27 win in Week 2. — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 14 Sep. 2025

Verb

All the life decisions that followed — including those on style — have been somewhat shaped by the values and mindset the motorsport has instilled in him. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 One reason these stories of Guadagnino, Levinson, and Sorkin resonate is because of our Hitchcockian concept of directing that film school has instilled in our cultural understanding of how movies are supposed to be made. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2026 The mood at the recent training camp in Portugal felt decidedly similar to the one Nuno instilled in 2024, when Forest then made a surprise challenge for Champions League qualification, before finishing seventh. — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Experts have said local automakers are being fueled by government funding, as well as a culture of innovation and speed that China has instilled in its workers. — Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026 While discussing recovery at the May event, Panettiere similarly reflected on learning to let go of the perfectionism that had been instilled in her from childhood. — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026 Seeing her parents, especially her mom, go to work every day instilled a strong work ethic in her. — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 17 Aug. 2026 From father to son, coach to players, the gritty attitude has been instilled by Papotta at Viewpoint. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026 There he was routinely beaten, an experience which instilled in him a lifelong fascination with flagellation and pain. — Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instilled

Adjective

Native culture is an imbedded fact of Minnesota’s history and now the Indian – a brave, a scout, God forbid somebody’s friend — is gone from the flag.

— Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 2 May 2026
The device receives a video feed captured by external smart glasses with an embedded camera.

— Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Definition of embedded

Verb

After Joplin police reached out to the FBI, the campaign manager told federal authorities that Ross wanted the drugs planted in Secker’s car or purse while Ross was on vacation in South Carolina, the affidavit alleges.

— Ava Kelley, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
The hope is to grow a population of genetically diverse and resistant trees that can be planted in forests, riverbanks and backyards.

— Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of planted

Adjective

Once Eckert authorised a staff member to spy on an opposition, someone more ingrained in the British game should have warned of the potential ramifications.

— Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Often nestled in lush mountains or on a peaceful lake, the bucolic and nature-filled settings of sleep-away camps will always remain ingrained in our memories.

— Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 July 2026

Definition of ingrained

Verb

Nashville-bred alternative favorites Bully will headline the DIY-minded event.

— John D. Luerssen, SPIN, 27 Aug. 2026
For more than two centuries, the storied estate in Lexington has been a place where accomplished horsemen and women have bred, raised, and trained some of the sport’s most distinguished horses.

— Mark David, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of bred

Adjective

The strategy seeks to slow China's technological advancement through attrition rather than a complete ban, acknowledging the inherent challenge of policing cross-border digital services.

— John Werner, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Although none of these trails are terribly technical, there’s still an inherent risk that comes with hiking.

— Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of inherent

Verb

After three or four weeks, a gentle tug on the stem should meet resistance, indicating that the cutting has rooted.

— Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
The Quilceda Creek vineyards are also non-grafted and own-rooted, which Golitzin believes enables each clone to express its character more directly.

— Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of rooted

Adjective

For clients like Edward White, who is on a fixed income, the service is a critical lifeline.

— Manuel Bojorquez, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
Importantly, all of these rhythms stack on top of each other and interact, meaning that resilience is never a fixed state but rather more of a dynamic balance between a person’s mental and physical capacities and the demands placed on them.

— Masha Remskar, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of fixed

Verb

We were inculcated with the importance of charity, love toward all, good works and humility, and urged to carry those virtues into adulthood.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
We were constantly informed that our purpose was to become genteel and inculcated in Christian virtue.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026

Definition of inculcated

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

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Synonyms of instilled

adjective

verb

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