1
as in motivation
something that arouses action or activity
She traveled cross-country seeking inspiration for her next book. He credits his mother as his inspiration for becoming a social worker.
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2
as in creativity
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others
They were a group of young artists filled with inspiration.
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3
as in uplift
a feeling of ease from grief or trouble
The return of summer brought with it a new sense of inspiration.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inspiration
When in Doubt, Choose a Dusty Pastel When designing this nursery, Darden drew inspiration from the calming pale color scheme of Marie-Antoinette's estate, the Petit Trianon.
—
Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 27 Apr. 2026
Stories can act as cautionary tales, but also as inspiration.
—Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
The tides of inspiration ebb and flow today.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
Along the way, the team hopes to raise funds for research, awareness of Parkinson’s and inspiration for others to exercise, something that is believed to slow the progression of the disease.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 27 Apr. 2026
Stories can act as cautionary tales, but also as inspiration.
—Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
The tides of inspiration ebb and flow today.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
Along the way, the team hopes to raise funds for research, awareness of Parkinson’s and inspiration for others to exercise, something that is believed to slow the progression of the disease.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inspiration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inspiration
Noun
-
Most Sunday mornings, Charles Woods doesn’t need much motivation for his weekly 40-mile bike ride.—
Isabel Rivera,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2026
-
Asking a musician about their influences can elicit a boiler plate response revealing little about their mindset and motivations.—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Be honest about what’s workable, and let creativity thrive within boundaries.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
-
These details feel distinctly human, inviting curiosity, creativity, and connection.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Analysts at Citi upgraded the stock to a buy from a neutral rating, anticipating an uplift in CPU sales for all suppliers over the next few years.—
Samantha Subin,Katie Tarasov,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Hawley estimates that adopting sustainability practices incentivized by the uplift may cost productions one to three percent more, though it’ll be offset by the five percent bump to the base credit.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In the aftermath, Pollard’s inbox filled with criticisms, encouragement and recommendations.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Arizona’s rapid low-density residential development sprawl is driven by its rabid encouragement of ever more population growth.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Romantic Venus sextiles dreamy Neptune, softening conversations and opening space for empathy, imagination, and meaningful exchange.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Ko’s conception of the wuxia genre centers on imagination as a martial force.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But ask yourself whether this comfort is actually comfortable.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
2 May 2026
-
The petite-friendly G4Free EverGoing Yoga Pants have earned a permanent spot in my mom's everyday wardrobe for their buttery-soft comfort, breathable wide-leg design, and ultra-stretchy high waist that’s satisfyingly elegant without even trying.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
The freebie was the likely impetus for the big increase in attendance, but Murakami’s slugging surely convinced some fans to come check out the scene on the South Side on a sunny but cool afternoon.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
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After a brief interruption due to bad light, Josh Clarkson's late impetus guided New Zealand to a challenging total.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Doe is seeking damages exceeding $75,000, along with other punitive damages and other relief to be determined at trial.—
Lexi Nicklaus,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2026
-
When aid workers reached out to South Sudanese authorities with a request to deliver emergency relief, however, it was denied.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inspiration. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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