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

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

A passing incident might inspire him to gallop through huge sections of Shakespeare, committed to memory, leaving the bug boys furrowing their brows.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Vocabulary lists containing inspire

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

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