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.

So it shouldn’t surprise anyone that she’d give a starring role to a 200-year-old tree, which just may inspire the needed answers.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

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

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

He told our reporter he had "election fever" and hoped to inspire young people to get involved in politics.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Did Euripides mean this last, bizarre twist to inspire hope, or despair?

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

“I’m not going to eat you,” she added, though saying it aloud, she suspected, didn’t do much to inspire confidence.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Vocabulary lists containing inspire

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Christmas Carol Vocab: A Lyrical Lexicon

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!