inspiring

1 of 2

adjective

in·​spir·​ing in-ˈspī-riŋ How to pronounce inspiring (audio)
Synonyms of inspiring
: having an animating or exalting effect

inspiring

2 of 2

present participle of inspire

Synonyms of inspiring

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Adjective

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Examples of inspiring in a Sentence

Adjective an inspiring idea for a national program in which young people would commit themselves to a year of community service
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
His distinctive and always entertaining duck walks were awe-inspiring. — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The 849 feels incrementally smoother and more confidence inspiring than its predecessor when driven in anger, thanks to drivetrain and suspension improvements. — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026 Sliman was an inspiring part of a nucleus that established the Union of Palestinian Artists, a union that organizationally became part of the Union of Arab Artists. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 The Chargers looked sloppy in their 41-17 home loss to the San Francisco 49ers last week, following an inspiring 27-7 road win over the Houston Texans, and now aim for a better on-field product in their final tuneup. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inspiring

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1717, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inspiring was in 1717

Rhymes for inspiring

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Browse Nearby Words

inspirer
inspiring
inspirit
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Cite this Entry

“Inspiring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inspiring. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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