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.

Messrs. Schmidt and Gates may think they can allay the fear and despair they’ve helped to inspire by issuing a few oracles on the unwisdom of catastrophism.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

American actress Tina Fey hopes the latest installment of Netflix comedy "The Four Seasons" will inspire viewers to pick up the phone and check in with old friends.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

“I tell them it was created by people who are passionate about the arts and want to inspire kids.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

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

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

Dear Diary, To inspire us in our new writing project, Ms. G gave us a letter she received from Miep after her trip to Amsterdam.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers

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

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