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.

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

Traditional remedies may contain biologically active compounds that can inspire new treatments when they are studied with modern methods.

From Science Daily • Jun. 7, 2026

Will this prevent lots of Americans’ nest eggs from getting involved in companies that do not inspire the boring confidence of the market?

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

Emily Blunt, who stars as weather presenter Margaret Fairchild, told me she hoped any confirmation of extraterrestrial life would inspire wonder rather than fear.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

"An old-fashioned Halloween party," said his father, trying to inspire some enthusiasm in Jeremy.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

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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