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.

In that way, she hopes to inspire the next generation of drag kings to keep dancing through hard times.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

“I Swear” is a didactic starting point, and it may even inspire overcorrection when it comes to educating others, but its heart is in the right place.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

According to team member Tifé Adegun, 28, who has scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, having such a varied range of competitors is a way to inspire others to get involved.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Though the more famous Lord Cochrane would inspire O’Brian’s Jack Aubrey, Miller was cut from the cloth of Bernard Cornwell’s fictional Richard Sharpe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 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

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

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