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.

There are plenty of high-end, aspirational, fast EVs to inspire future EV driving enthusiasts.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

So it shouldn’t surprise anyone that she’d give a starring role to a 200-year-old tree, which just may inspire the needed answers.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

“Over the years, we established our premium position and market share there because the Chinese consumer believes in our ability to innovate and inspire them through sport,” said Hill, the CEO, in December.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

Researchers believe the discovery could eventually inspire practical engineering solutions aimed at reducing methane pollution.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

All it did was inspire a hearty laugh in the press box.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Vocabulary lists containing inspire

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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Christmas Carol Vocab: A Lyrical Lexicon

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Michelle Obama's final address as First Lady (2017)

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