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.

Theater is in Glass’ blood, and theater can inspire even his most untheatrical music, such as his set of 20 solo piano etudes that have in recent years become practically standard repertory.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

I think we can inspire people and do some really cool things.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

American actress Tina Fey hopes the latest installment of Netflix comedy "The Four Seasons" will inspire viewers to pick up the phone and check in with old friends.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

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

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

Did writing systems spread by being copied, or did existing systems merely inspire neighboring peoples to invent their own systems?

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Vocabulary lists containing inspire

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

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