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.

There are plenty of high-end, aspirational, fast EVs to inspire future EV driving enthusiasts.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

There was little Richardson could say to inspire a comeback, with Raducanu committing 42 unforced errors throughout the match, and she made a hasty retreat off court after Sierra secured victory.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

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

That idea continues to inspire her art, even after many years.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

Donnelly worked to inspire passion for the union, and when he felt the laborers’ union spirit was strong enough, he called a strike.

From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield

Vocabulary lists containing inspire

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

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