Definitions

inspire

[in-spahyuhr] / ɪnˈspaɪər /

VERB

encourage, stimulate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

affect animate arouse cause embolden excite galvanize get hearten impress influence instill motivate produce provoke spark spur stir sway touch trigger

STRONG

carry commove elate endue enkindle enliven exalt exhilarate imbue infect inflame inform infuse inspirit invigorate occasion quicken reassure strike urge

WEAK

be responsible for fire up give impetus give one an idea give rise to set up start off work up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bore calm deaden depress discourage dissuade halt leave alone lull please quiet stop

STRONG

dishearten dull enervate lose

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.

Here are four that have been effective for me, and that could inspire experiments of your own.

From The Wall Street Journal

For the hedge knight who inspired Baelor’s intervention, the motives are more reflexive.

From Salon

It evokes the feel of a night raid with RAF Bomber Command better than the Len Deighton novel that inspired it.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was the mattress left behind by whomever had lived there earlier that had inspired him.

From Literature

I just didn’t think that message would inspire Red to respond.

From Literature