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.

But even if you never attended any Asian film festivals or other events, you have likely benefited from the larger market exposure the group helped to inspire.

From Salon • May 31, 2026

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

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

Thank you for honoring his legacy, which will continue to inspire the next generation to realize their own power to open doors.

From The Wall Street Journal • 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

I’m glad I can at least inspire the idea of hope.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

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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