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.

But even if you never attended any Asian film festivals or other events, you have likely benefited from the larger market exposure the group helped to inspire.

From Salon • May 31, 2026

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

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

He, like other mothers and fathers here, hopes this tragedy will inspire change nationwide when it comes to gun violence.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

We hope the film can inspire social change.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

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

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff

Vocabulary lists containing inspire

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

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