INSPIRES Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

inspires

verb

present tense third-person singular of inspire

as in encourages

to fill with courage or strength of purpose the rousing campaign speech inspired everyone to get out the vote

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as in elicits

to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved) what inspired that comment?

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as in educates

to provide (someone) with moral or spiritual understanding great works of visual art can inspire us in ways that the written word often cannot

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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.

Recent Examples of inspires Gallup found that just 2% of Fortune 500 CHROs strongly agree their performance management system actually inspires employees to improve. — Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 But life on an island also inspires a scrappy, home-town camaraderie. — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026 What inspires the pace that gets you to 17 albums since 2015? — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 However, The Duskbloods' multiplayer focus and the shenanigans the gameplay inspires pull the game toward Nintendo territory. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026 In her note, Parton also encouraged him to continued creating work that inspires others. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026 Eating it inspires an appreciation for the seamless integration of Mexican and Middle Eastern influences, melding to a state of emphatic brilliance in each bite. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 This is one of the BEST ways to recreate the communal devotion that the Premier League inspires. — Matt Piper, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026 This could be a change of scenery or perhaps a new mindset that inspires new visions and opportunities for the future. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspires

Verb

This math subtraction worksheet encourages kids to cross out shapes to solve single-digit problems.

— Nicole Harris, Parents, 26 Aug. 2026
Stoddard encourages clients to try new coping tools during low-stakes moments, when their emotions are relatively mellow.

— Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of encourages

Verb

At the other end, Robert Sanchez elicits blue murder and the combination is riotous and compelling.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Researchers say the practice elicits a stronger response from the parasympathetic nervous system, the network of nerves that helps the body relax after stress.

— Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of elicits

Verb

Eco effort To protect the pristine natural habitat, Jumeirah Olhahali implements successful conservation projects and educates guests on their role in the preservation efforts.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
None of these institutions educates hundreds of thousands of students.

— Scott White, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of educates

Verb

Neither Gleason’s office nor the dining room remain, but each evokes an era not seen since.

— Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Alex Haley seamlessly wove together the stories of each generation of his family in a way that still evokes deep emotion for me.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of evokes

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“Inspires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspires. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of inspires

verb

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