inspiring 1 of 2

adjective

in-ˈspī-riŋ How to pronounce inspiring (audio)
Definition of inspiringnext
as in breathtaking
causing great emotional or mental stimulation an inspiring idea for a national program in which young people would commit themselves to a year of community service

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

inspiring

2 of 2

verb

present participle of inspire
1
as in encouraging
to fill with courage or strength of purpose the rousing campaign speech inspired everyone to get out the vote

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2
as in eliciting
to draw out (something hidden, latent, or reserved) what inspired that comment?

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3
as in educating
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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Example Sentences

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 inspiring
Adjective
Wilson’s sport-captivating 111-yard, two-touchdown debut against Texas is certainly inspiring. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026 The nine-time Grammy Award-winning blues guitarist was recognized Saturday night for significantly shaping the music industry and upholding the city's identity, while inspiring generations. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
This celestial season activates your expansive ninth house of adventure, education and exposure, inspiring you to take a leap of faith or perhaps even embark on a meaningful trip. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026 But during the following two years, Van Lith saw only gigantic tracks and adrenaline-inspiring antler rubs that had been left behind by the buck of his dreams. — Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inspiring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspiring
  1. breathtaking
  2. encouraging
  3. eliciting
  4. educating
  5. exciting
  6. evoking
  7. interesting
  8. intriguing
Adjective
  • Nvidia's giveback Friday was certainly not because the company didn't report an amazing, if not breathtaking, quarter.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The experience goes far beyond the golf course; Palmares is known across the world for having one of the most breathtaking clubhouse environments in all of golf.
    — Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of breathtaking
Verb
  • Historically, the United States has sent mixed messages to Europeans, encouraging them to step up but then scolding them for seeking autonomy.
    — JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The scarcity itself became part of the appeal, encouraging moviegoers to attend early, return for later editions and share the collectibles online.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of encouraging
Verb
  • In the fifth inning, Soto fouled a ball off his right leg, eliciting a grimace from him and attention from both an athletic trainer and Green.
    — Will Sammon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • As a result, the email is eliciting mixed reactions from customers.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of eliciting
Verb
  • The Property Masters Guild aims to highlight and elevate the craft of the Property Master by raising awareness, fostering collaboration among craft artisans, educating its members and inspiring future generations of Property Masters.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Nuss says a lot of the city's work right now is educating people about the potential risks.
    — Kirk Siegler, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of educating
Adjective
  • That performance and a handful of others leads the way as the UFC wrapped up an exciting event from Shanghai.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • While a lot of the shorts are fully animated, the parts where this cartoon interacts with the real world were the most exciting then and are still a delight now.
    — James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of exciting
Verb
  • For a long time, the book’s iconic cover—a stark image evoking Trayvon Martin’s hoodie against a white backdrop—seemed to be on every other literate person’s nightstand.
    — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The reception desk is accented by an angular brass piece evoking an airplane wing, and the Academy’s four class colors—blue, silver, red, and gold—show up in the carpeting and at the various entrances to the property.
    — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of evoking
Adjective
  • Coach John Harbaugh made the interesting decision Friday night to sit Dart and a number of other starters for a second straight preseason game.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Cartoonists on Dolly Parton's life and legacy Join 350,000+ subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of interesting
Adjective
  • Although not quite as polished on the racial politics front, Lanterns’s third episode is no less intriguing, as an hour of television dedicated not only to answering pressing questions but fleshing out its lead character in disturbing ways.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Belton is an intriguing player, but Cisco should also see action in certain packages.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of intriguing

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inspires
inspiring
inspirit
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Cite this Entry

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

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