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.

“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

She added she hoped the charity's announcement would inspire people to explore the finalists, and their local museums.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

In a practice that ought to inspire progressives, those farmers deepened the delta channels and spread over their surrounding farmland the rich silt they excavated or used it to reinforce the levees.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

And while there is no active draft now, perhaps the transition to automatic registration will inspire some young person to bring the legal challenge that this moment begs.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 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

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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