inspiration

[in-spuh-rey-shuhn] / ˌɪn spəˈreɪ ʃən /

NOUN

idea, stimulus

Synonyms

STRONGEST

encouragement enthusiasm genius incentive influence insight motivation revelation vision

STRONG

afflatus animus approach arousal awakening brainchild brainstorm creativity elevation exaltation fancy flash hunch illumination impulse motive muse notion rumble spark spur stimulation thought whim

WEAK

deep think inflatus

Antonyms

STRONGEST

discouragement

STRONG

depression hindrance reality truth

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He’s indicating the power itself is an inspiration.

From Slate • Apr. 9, 2026

"If inspiration strikes and I have an idea, then I'll talk to HBO," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Goebel mentions the Beatniks as another major inspiration.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

But Kasamis takes inspiration from history: He read Henry David Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience” in high school.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

In yet another flash of inspiration, he crossed some hybrids to each other, making hybrids of hybrids.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee