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.

L’Oréal and Inspire Brands, which owns Sonic, Jimmy John’s and Buffalo Wild Wings, declined to comment; several other brands did not respond to requests for comment.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Inspire Brands — which owns Dunkin’, Arby’s and other chains — has confidentially filed for an IPO.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

Inspire Brands plans to use proceeds to repay debt under its term loan facility.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Inspire could also be targeting a hefty market capitalization as well; private-equity backer Roark Capital has sought a valuation of around $20 billion, according to CNBC.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

Inspire me to come, whenever I ought, to the rescue of the slandered, that I may deliver them into the liberty of human fellowship.

From The Optimist's Good Morning by Perin, Florence Hobart

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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