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.

Get it right, and the tournament could once again inspire a nation.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

Rice is best known as one of the world's most important food crops, but scientists have now shown it could also help inspire a new generation of smart materials.

From Science Daily • Jun. 11, 2026

To some, that doesn’t inspire confidence that Nestlé has a grand plan to maintain strong sales of Hot Pockets and Toll House baking chocolate in the age of Ozempic.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

The idea was first proposed as a millennium project by local resident David Thomas, a retired teacher and amateur astronomer who wanted to create something that would inspire learning.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

I just didn’t think that message would inspire Red to respond.

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff

Vocabulary lists containing inspire

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

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